A Passion for Art History

When he arrived at Grinnell as a first-year student, David Cambronero ’16 expected to major in biology and then go on to medical school. During his spring semester that year, he took History of Art and Architecture and was enthralled by the professor’s deep knowledge and passion for the subject. He soon discovered the multidisciplinary nature of the field — in dialogue with economics, sociology, literature, material culture, human nature, and so much more — and he was captivated.

A Change of Plans

“Majoring in art history at Grinnell was one of the best decisions I have ever made,” Cambronero says. “It helped me expand my worldview — how I approached social issues. [It] made me more aware of the world around me, both social and physical. Art history makes you curious about societies, people’s relations with reality, life, each other, and how culture and social conditions influence and shape all of these.”

Studying art history prepared Cambronero for the academic challenges of graduate school at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. He credits Grinnell with providing him with the space to explore daring ideas and conduct cutting-edge research on some of the most pressing issues in the field, all while under the guidance of professors and scholars he admired.

A Strong Foundation

The discussion-based courses, passionate faculty, and small class sizes that characterize Grinnell were key to his later success at the graduate level; they also serve as a critical building block for his academic advancement, Cambronero says. In fall 2022, he plans to start Ph.D. studies in the history of art and architecture at Yale University. He says the rigorous education and strong connections he formed at Grinnell serve as the foundation that has made his advanced studies possible.

“I have no regrets with my time at college. I let myself choose my classes based solely on my curiosity, and that is what allowed me to find my passions in art history and computer science,” says Cambronero.

“I loved my time at Grinnell. To make the most of it, I think you must take classes that you’re genuinely interested in discovering and learning about. I will forever be grateful that I discovered my own passion through Grinnell’s art history department.”