MINOR OR APPLIED ARTS: HISTORY AND TYPES - ART - 2025

The minor arts or applied arts are those that have a practical use, in addition to the merely artistic, in all its extension. Decorative arts, goldsmithing and, in general, everything that combines artistic elements with objects of common use have been classified as minor.

The distinction between the minor arts and the so-called Fine Arts comes from Greece. Despite the fact that there is a somewhat contemptuous look or that, at least, undervalues ​​the minor arts, the truth is that these have been as present in history as the major arts.

In fact, some of the prehistoric constructions that are visited today could perfectly fit within the applied arts. Such is the case of any Roman amphora, or some beautifully crafted implements and tools left by members of pre-Hispanic civilizations.

Over time, first during the Industrial Revolution and then in a more modern era, the concept has expanded its range of works. There are scholars who consider that the visual arts, such as photography and cinema, should be included within the minor arts, while others disagree.

There are several categories within the applied arts, although all are characterized by not having a purely artistic origin. One of the most relevant characteristics of this type of art is that its functionality is very evident. Within the applied arts, all design modalities stand out, or even those related to architecture.

History of the applied or minor arts

Origins of the concept

According to its definition, minor arts had already existed since Prehistory; however, it was the Greeks who made the theoretical distinction. Thus, for them, the Fine Arts (or higher) were those that were enjoyed through sight and hearing, without physical contact.

On the contrary, the lesser arts needed the other senses in order to be appreciated. For example, they spoke of perfumery or gastronomy as part of these. Later, the concept varied slightly, emphasizing whether what was created had a useful use or if it was simply artistic.

Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages the applied arts received their first impulse. On the one hand, this is due to the appearance of craftsmen's guilds, which create workshops and specialize their workers. On the other hand, the emergence of the bourgeoisie allows for new clients, beyond the lords or the Church.

During the Romanesque almost all the works had a religious motif. Thus, reliquaries, chalices or other elements can be named. Being intended for clients with money, almost everyone used gold and precious stones.

Textile design also takes a lot of strength. Not only for clothing, but also with beautiful tapestries for the houses or castles of the powerful. The most used materials include wool and hemp, and later silk and oriental linen are incorporated.

In the Gothic, undoubtedly what stands out the most is the architecture with the construction of great cathedrals. But it was not only the building itself that counted, but also all the decoration: from the stained glass windows to the sculptures.

The creation of furniture benefits from economic improvement, as does that of richly ornamented tapestries.

Neoclassicism

Another historical period in which the minor arts lived a great splendor was during neoclassicism. From 1750 the decorative arts experienced a boom, especially in England and France.

The style was quite solemn, even cold. Simple and flat shapes were used, perhaps in response to the earlier Rococo style, full of stylistic exaggerations.

Industrial Revolution

From manual and artisanal to industrial production; This is the effect of the Industrial Revolution on these arts. From then on it was possible to mass-produce these objects, intended for the general public. Even in their early years some interest in decoration is lost and they become totally utilitarian objects.

Only the rich could afford handmade products, inaugurating a trend that lasts to this day: the higher valuation of manufactured crafts versus industrial ones.

Arts & Crafts

This movement begins between the 60s and 70s of the 19th century. The meaning of his name already gives a clue about his goals: Arts and Crafts. Thus, given the little importance that the contemporaries of the Industrial Revolution give to the applied arts, the creators of this trend try to give them a new push.

In this way, they tried to return to artisan work trying to return to the traditional. For them, art had to be as beautiful as it was useful, without one thing being at odds with the other.

Twentieth century

The 20th century presents a technical and materials revolution like never before in history. Design, in all its forms, is consolidated as the basis of applied art.

Despite this, the series production of the objects was increasing, but now with a clear intention of being beautiful for the buyer.

Movements such as the Bauhaus and, especially, Art Deco, ultimately impose that the decorative arts are installed in society.

Art Deco was very important until the beginning of World War II and was characterized by curved lines in graphic arts and geometric lines in furniture.

XXI century

The decades lived up to now of the XXI century have not changed much the characteristics of the minor arts.

As has been the case for a long time, industrially created objects, although beautiful, are distinguished from those made by hand, which are given more value.

Only a couple of architectural styles, high-tech and deconstructivism, have broken the heritage of the last century, with the predominance of so-called post-modern art.

Most representative types of applied arts

Roughly speaking, several different categories can be spoken of within the minor or applied arts:

Architecture

There is no consensus to include it within these arts, but it has an undoubted double function: aesthetics and usefulness.

Fashion design

Especially since the twentieth century it has become one of the most important. A distinction must be made between mass-produced clothing and models prepared for the catwalks, much closer to the concept of applied art.

Graphic design

It is one of the new additions to this type of art. It is one of those that has made the most of new technologies.

Industrial design

It is the design of industrial products. Try to be attractive so you can get the attention of buyers.

Engraving and crafts

Listed among the plastic arts, there is still no consensus on whether to consider them among the minor arts.

Advertising

This is one of the newer minor arts. It is considered as such because the advertising pieces can be loaded with beautiful artistic elements so that they are more attractive to the recipients and that the message is transmitted as efficiently as possible.

Photography

Although creative or artistic photographers do not agree with this classification, more and more theorists place photography within the applied arts. This is because this art has a clear functionality as a tool to record situations and different contexts.

References

1. Villalba Salvador, Maria. Decorative Arts and Everyday Objects. Obtained from revista-critica.es
2. Arkiplus. Applied Arts. Retrieved from arkiplus.com
3. History of art. Applied Arts. Retrieved from historiadelarte.us
4. Monash University. Definition of major and minor - Faculty of Arts. Retrieved from monash.edu

5. Link, John. Glorious Minor Art. Recovered from newcrit.org
6. L'Estrange, Elizabeth. From minor to major: the minor arts in medieval art history. Recovered from arthistoriography.files.wordpress.com
7. Godward, Frederic. The Variety of Applied Arts. Retrieved from widewalls.ch