Reading Art: Multiliteracies and History Education

This is an exploration of the value added to secondary history education through the inclusion of visual art from a multiliterate framework instead of an aesthetics one. Semiotic theory and Panofskian art history analysis are discussed. Multiliteracies theory posits that art is text, similar to print text. By reading art for historical understanding and subsequently utilizing historical thinking, critical thinking and cultural awareness skills are developed.