Why Researchers Choose Art History for High-Impact Publications
Art History stands as a cornerstone in the study of visual culture, offering researchers a platform to engage with innovative scholarship on artistic traditions across eras and regions. Established in 1978 by the Association of Art Historians, this journal has evolved into a vital resource for scholars exploring the intersections of art, history, and society. Its rigorous peer-review process ensures that published works contribute meaningfully to ongoing dialogues in the discipline, making it a preferred choice for those aiming to advance their academic profiles.
With a focus on original research, Art History publishes articles that delve into topics ranging from medieval iconography to contemporary visual theory. The journal's commitment to interdisciplinary approaches allows contributions from fields like anthropology, literature, and cultural studies, broadening its appeal. Researchers value its international scope, featuring works from global perspectives while rooted in British academic traditions. The publication's hybrid model supports both subscription access and open-access options, enhancing visibility for authors' research.
Key to its allure is the journal's consistent quality, evidenced by its indexing in major databases. Scholars submitting to Art History benefit from editorial expertise that refines arguments and elevates scholarly impact. Whether analyzing Renaissance paintings or modern installations, contributors find a receptive audience among art historians worldwide. For those navigating the competitive landscape of academic publishing, Art History offers a pathway to recognition and citation accrual.
In an era where visibility drives career progression, publishing here positions researchers at the forefront of Art History impact factor discussions. The journal's editorial board, comprising leading figures, ensures that each issue advances theoretical and methodological boundaries. Aspiring authors are encouraged to review submission guidelines meticulously to align with the journal's standards. To explore opportunities in academia, consider browsing academic jobs that align with your expertise in visual arts.
This guide equips researchers with insights into the journal's operations, from metrics to submission strategies. By choosing Art History, you invest in a publication that resonates within History and beyond. Ready to advance your research career? Check out higher ed jobs in art history for inspiration.
Overview & History
Art History journal was founded in 1978 under the auspices of the Association of Art Historians, a UK-based organization dedicated to promoting scholarship in the visual arts. Initially launched to provide a dedicated forum for British and international art historians, it quickly gained recognition for its high standards and diverse content. Over the decades, the journal has published seminal works that have shaped debates in areas such as postcolonial art theory and feminist perspectives on visual culture.
Published by Wiley-Blackwell, Art History appears quarterly, featuring peer-reviewed articles, review essays, and occasional special issues on timely themes like digital humanities in art research. Its evolution reflects broader shifts in academia, incorporating multimedia elements and global viewpoints. Today, it serves as an essential periodical for professors, graduate students, and independent scholars seeking to disseminate findings on artistic heritage.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
Art History encompasses a wide array of topics within visual and material culture, emphasizing historical contexts and theoretical frameworks. Contributions typically explore painting, sculpture, architecture, and emerging media, with a chronological span from antiquity to the present.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Art History | Core focus on stylistic analysis, iconography, and patronage studies. |
| Visual Culture | Interdisciplinary examinations of images in society, including film and photography. |
| Cultural History | Explorations of art's role in social, political, and economic narratives. |
| Museum Studies | Discussions on curation, conservation, and exhibition practices. |
| Theory and Criticism | Critical essays on methodologies and philosophical underpinnings. |
This scope ensures Art History remains relevant for researchers in related fields, fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 0.714 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 0.892 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| CiteScore | 1.2 | Scopus 2023 |
| SJR | 0.25 | Scopus 2023 |
| h-Index | 42 | Scopus |
These metrics highlight Art History's solid standing in the field, with steady citation rates supporting its reputation for influential scholarship.
Indexing and Abstracting
Art History is indexed in prestigious databases, ensuring wide discoverability. Key inclusions are Web of Science (Arts & Humanities Citation Index), Scopus, and the MLA International Bibliography. It is also abstracted in services like Historical Abstracts and the Bibliography of the History of Art. Researchers can access articles via the official journal homepage, with abstracts freely available. For comprehensive coverage, consult Scopus or Clarivate JCR.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, Art History offers traditional subscription access alongside open-access options through Wiley's OnlineOpen program. The standard publication is behind a paywall for non-subscribers, but authors can pay an Article Publication Charge (APC) of approximately $3,200 USD for immediate open access. No fees apply for non-OA submissions. The Association of Art Historians supports initiatives for accessibility, and institutional agreements may cover costs. Check author guidelines for details on waivers for corresponding authors from low-income countries.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions to Art History are handled electronically via the ScholarOne platform. Authors must prepare manuscripts according to the journal's style guide, including double-spaced text, Chicago citations, and abstracts under 200 words. Initial reviews take 4-6 weeks, followed by revisions if invited. Emphasize originality and alignment with the journal's scope. For full details, visit the official site. To prepare, review PhD programs in art history for methodological insights.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial team is led by Editor-in-Chief Alex Potts from the University of Michigan, with associate editors from institutions like the Courtauld Institute and University of Oxford. Board members include experts in Renaissance art, modern design, and non-Western traditions, ensuring diverse oversight. Their collective experience spans decades, guiding Art History toward cutting-edge scholarship.
Why Publish in Art History?
Publishing in Art History elevates a researcher's profile due to its targeted audience and archival stability. The journal's prestige aids in tenure reviews and grant applications within History departments. Its international readership amplifies impact, while the peer-review feedback sharpens work. For career advancement, pair publications with networking via academic conferences.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Bulletin | 0.5 | American art history | College Art Association |
| Journal of Art Historiography | 0.3 | Historiographical methods | University of Glasgow |
| Oxford Art Journal | 0.4 | Critical theory in art | Oxford University Press |
| Art History (this journal) | 0.714 | Global visual culture | Wiley-Blackwell |
Art History distinguishes itself through its balanced coverage and higher metrics compared to peers.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Align your abstract with current calls, such as those on decolonial art practices.
- Secure high-quality images with permissions for visual analyses.
- Engage with recent issues to cite contemporary scholarship.
- Seek feedback from mentors before finalizing; consider rate my professor for advisor insights.
- Track deadlines using an academic calendar.
- Highlight interdisciplinary angles to appeal to the board.
These strategies increase acceptance chances in this competitive venue.