Overview

The Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History is a chronological, geographical, and thematic exploration of the history of art from around the world, as illustrated by the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. The Museum's curatorial, conservation, and education staff—the largest team of art experts anywhere in the world—research and write the Timeline, which is an invaluable reference and research tool for students, educators, scholars, and anyone interested in the study of art history and related subjects. First launched in 2000, the Timeline now extends from prehistory to the present day. The Timeline will continue to expand in scope and depth, and also reflect the most up-to-date scholarship.

Works of Art

The works of art in the Metropolitan's collection celebrate human creativity from around the world and from all eras. The Timeline of Art History places the Museum's collection in a cohesive chronological, geographical, and thematic context. Each image is accompanied by supporting material and can be enlarged for closer scrutiny. The Timeline comprises nearly 6000 works and so does not include all of the works in the The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Timelines and Maps

The basic structure of the Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History is chronological and geographical. Each timeline includes representative art from the Museum's collection, a chart of time periods, a map of the region, an overview, and a list of key events. The timelines—accompanied by world and regional maps—provide a linear outline of art history, and allow visitors to compare and contrast art from around the globe at any time in history.

Exploring Particular Themes

Thematic Essays in the Timeline focus on specific themes in art history. They cover subjects such as artistic movements and periods, archaeological sites, empires and civilizations, recurrent themes and concepts, media such as painting, sculpture, and ceramics, and artists. Thematic Essays often demonstrate the cross-fertilization of civilizations and include additional maps and comparative images, and links to relevant websites. Each essay has links to related themes and timelines.

Indexes and Searches

The Timeline is indexed according to Subject, Thematic Essays, Artist, and Accession Number offering a wide variety of research methods. A link to the Indexes, and a keyword search box, are provided on the top of each page of the Timeline. Each provides methods for more directed research on the Timeline.

Links

Links to external sites and other areas of the Metropolitan Museum's website, such as the Works of Art, Explore & Learn, Hazen Center (Online Resources), Books in the Met Store and selected Features and Special Exhibitions, are available throughout the Timeline.

Funded by the Heilbrunn Foundation, New Tamarind Foundation, and Zodiac Fund