AP Art History

There are two types of multiple-choice questions on the exam:

• Sets of 2-3 questions, with each set based on color images of works of art.
• Individual questions, some of which are based on color images of works of art.

The multiple-choice section includes images of works of art both in and beyond the image set.

You’ll be asked to:

• Analyze visual and contextual elements of works of art and link them to a larger artistic tradition
• Compare 2 or more works
• Attribute works of art beyond the image set
• Analyze art historical interpretations

There are six free-response questions on the exam:

• Question 1 (paper and pencil exams): Long Essay–Comparison will ask you to compare a required work of art and another of your choosing and explain the significance of the similarities and differences between those works, citing evidence to support their claim.
• Question 2 (paper and pencil exams): Long Essay–Visual/Contextual Analysis will ask you to select and identify a work of art and make assertions about it based on evidence.
• Question 3: Short Essay–Visual Analysis will ask you to describe a work of art beyond the image set and connect it to an artistic tradition, style, or practice. Note: On the digital exam, Question 3 may be shown in a list of either 3 or 4 parts, but is always worth 5 points.
• Question 4: Short Essay–Contextual Analysis will ask you to describe contextual influences of a work of art in the image set and explain how context can influence artistic decisions or affect the meaning of a work of art.
• Question 5: Short Essay–Attribution will ask you to attribute a work of art beyond the image set to a particular artist, culture, or style, and justify your assertions with evidence.
• Question 6: Short Essay–Continuity and Change will ask you to analyze the relationship between a provided work of art and a related artistic tradition, style, or practice.
• Questions 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (paper and pencil) / 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (digital) will include images of works of art.