Mission Statement

The mission of the Kress Foundation of Art History is to explore the world of art and the world through art. 

We are committed to the highest standards of instruction and innovative research, fostering appreciation for and knowledge of the visual arts throughout history and across the globe. 

We employ methods of teaching to ensure that our students develop skills of close observation, description, research, writing, and critical thinking enabling them to analyze and interpret works of art perceptively and meaningfully. We educate students to use new technologies to make and share discoveries. 

We produce original research that increases knowledge of the complex and manifold meanings of art in specific contexts, including historical, social, cultural, religious, political, economic, philosophical, and theoretical. 

We contribute to our institution and our discipline through service and we engage with communities beyond the university to increase public awareness of the importance of art and the value of studying its history.