One early sense of the definition of art is closely related to the older Latin meaning, which roughly translates to 'skill' or 'craft', as associated with words such as 'artisan'. In the perspective of the history of art, artistic works have existed for almost as long as humankind: from early prehistoric art to contemporary art however, some theorists think that the typical concept of 'artistic works' does not fit well outside modern Western societies.

The resulting artworks are studied in the professional fields of art criticism and the history of art. The nature of art and related concepts, such as creativity and interpretation, are explored in a branch of philosophy known as aesthetics. In modern usage after the 17th century, where aesthetic considerations are paramount, the fine arts are separated and distinguished from acquired skills in general, such as the decorative or applied arts. Until the 17th century, art referred to any skill or mastery and was not differentiated from crafts or sciences. Theatre, dance, and other performing arts, as well as literature, music, film and other media such as interactive media, are included in a broader definition of the arts. In the Western tradition, the three classical branches of visual art are painting, sculpture, and architecture.

There is no generally agreed definition of what constitutes art, and its interpretation has varied greatly throughout history and across cultures. 1484–1486) by Sandro Botticelli and an Okinawan Shisa lionĪrt is a diverse range of human activity, and resulting product, that involves creative or imaginative talent expressive of technical proficiency, beauty, emotional power, or conceptual ideas. Clockwise from upper left: an 1887 self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh a female ancestor figure by a Chokwe artist detail from The Birth of Venus ( c.

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