When writing about art, a common question arises regarding the capitalization of art movements. Generally, names of specific, historical art movements, particularly those that refer to a defined period or a recognized group of artists with a shared philosophy, are capitalized. Examples include “Impressionism,” “Cubism,” “Surrealism,” “Renaissance,” “Baroque,” and “Pop Art.” This capitalization treats them as proper nouns, similar to historical eras or specific schools of thought.
However, there are nuances. Terms that describe general styles or techniques rather than specific historical movements are often not capitalized. For instance, “abstract art,” “modern art,” “contemporary art,” or “realistic art” are typically written in lowercase unless they begin a sentence. If a term like “abstract expressionism” refers to a very specific movement (e.g., the New York School of the 1940s and 50s), it is capitalized. But if you are using “abstract expressionism” in a general descriptive sense, it might be lowercased.
The key is to consider whether the term refers to a proper noun – a specific, named movement with distinct characteristics and a historical context, or a general descriptor. Always checking a style guide (like The Chicago Manual of Style or a specific publication’s in-house guide) is the best way to ensure consistency and accuracy in your writing about art history and theory.