admin We analyze images through our cultural experiences and values, but since our values change over time, we know that our interpretation of visual items will also change. Our interpretation of visual accounts of history are related to our social position within society at that time, different people, will interpret these accounts differently. So, how do historians use visual material as evidence of the past? How do they analyze paintings, photographs, cartoons and other images to construct meaning of past events and cultures?
Historical Thinking
In this section we will consider the context and social climate within which the visual items were created, how the items may have been understood over time, by different groups and different people. We will try to understand the perspectives of the creators and examine how their creations reflect the views, opinions and lifestyle of past events and communities.
Information Creation Process
In this section we will also examine the creation process of the visual items. Where the item was published and how this impacts its perspective and interpretation.
In this section you will:
Examine paintings, photographs and some political cartoons that speak to the doctrine of “Separate but equal” in order to understand the intent and message of the images and explore how they contribute to the political and social commentary of the period.
