This book is an introduction to the historical study of art. It is structured around large problematized themes rather than along traditional chronological and geographical lines. All topics are related to the development of art at different stages of human history and on different continents. The book presents various angles from which specific objects of art and culture can and should be viewed, described and analyzed; it shows what questions to ask, where and how to look for answers. The themes explored are illustrated by numerous works of art from East and West, from antiquity to the present day. These are paintings, engravings, sculptures, architectural structures of famous masters - Leonardo, Rubens, Borromini, Van Gogh, Rodin, Picasso, Pollock, Gabo. But monuments that are little studied and unfamiliar to the general reader are also considered. All of them are analyzed using modern methods of the sciences of art and culture. The publication is addressed to researchers of all humanities specialties and students in these areas; it will be interesting to a wide range of readers. The publishing layout is saved in PDF A4 format.