As an Art History student at my home university, I rarely got to see any of the work I studied in person. Upon traveling abroad, I wanted to continue my journey in Art History, to grow my interest in the field, and take advantage of the rich histories of European art. Little did I know just how much I would be able to engage with art in the flesh, to study a piece and then venture to the museum it lives in truly changed and enhanced my love for Art History.

My friend Purl (pictured) and I at the top of Giotto’s Tower in Florence, looking at the Duomo.  

The moment I looked to my right and realized ‘The Birth of Venus’ by Sandro Boticelli was next to me.  

Both within my courses and in my free time, I was able to explore galleries, museums, churches and more, to find art all around Florence and beyond. The privilege to learn about historical artists and their work within the context they lived and were created in cannot be understated. Without CEA CAPA and Florence, I would have never recognized how valuable it was to engage with my surroundings and to see just how rich and deep the history is.

My friends Carly and Purl (pictured) looking up at a statue outside of the Albertina Museum in Vienna, Austria.  

Not only did I thoroughly enjoy my class field trips, but I also began to go see art on my own, returning to museums such as the Bargello (my favorite!) and the Uffizi 3-4 times!  

Outside of Florence, I researched famous artifacts and artworks before I traveled to a new location, so I could have a better appreciation if I decided to see them during my trip. I was able to see art, both in museums and outdoors, in cities across Europe. I explored the art of Vienna, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, and more, all thanks to the accessibility Florence provided me, and the interest CEA CAPA helped me to nourish.   

Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’Academia in Florence. Arguably one of the most recognizable artworks of all time!  

Without the privilege to engage in artwork so directly, I may never have developed this passion beyond the classroom and discovered just how much I love to explore an art gallery, and to see the art that exists for public consumption. Since arriving back home, I have attempted to seek out art galleries around me, and to engage more directly with what I am in proximity to. Alongside this, I have tried to seek out art and beauty more often in my everyday life at home.

Through this photoset, I hope to encourage students who either study or are interested in Art History to engage with it while they’re abroad, both within and outside of the classroom. Europe has such a rich history of art, and taking advantage of that abroad can uncover an interest in something you never knew you had!

Artemisia Gentileschi’s ‘Judith, Her Maid and Holofernes' Head’ (1613-1614) in the Pitti Palace in Florence. (The very piece that made me realize I wanted to study Art History back in the day!) 

The opportunity to see these masterpieces in the flesh may only come once in a lifetime, and students should seize the opportunity to be able to engage in courses which uncover the city that surrounds them and encourage them to explore the place they have the privilege to be in!