Historically-informed

Describing a practice, performance, interpretation, or creation that takes into account historical context, understanding, and knowledge relevant to the subject matter. It involves a critical engagement with the past, considering original sources, techniques, styles, and prevailing attitudes of a particular time period. This approach aims for authenticity or a deeper understanding by avoiding anachronisms and incorporating insights from historical research. It is commonly applied in fields like music, art, architecture, theater, literature, and culinary arts.

Historically-informed meaning with examples

• The orchestra's performance was praised for its historically-informed approach to Baroque music. They used period instruments and adopted performance practices common during the era. The audience remarked on how the meticulous detail and historical understanding transformed their experience of the music, providing a sense of immersion in the past. This brought a deeper appreciation for the composer's intent and the original soundscape.
• The museum's exhibition on Victorian fashion employed historically-informed displays. The curators researched original garments, patterns, and social context to accurately recreate the era's styles. Visitors gained an understanding of how clothing reflected social hierarchies and cultural values. The detail of the garments and setting conveyed the lifestyle of the age.
• The play's director staged a historically-informed production of Shakespeare's Hamlet. The stage design, costumes, and acting style attempted to reflect Elizabethan theatre practices. By referencing the original sources and adopting a specific historical understanding, the show provided a fresh perspective on the classic work, enriching the theatrical experience for the audience.
• The chef developed a historically-informed menu, referencing old cookbooks. By using ingredients and techniques from the Elizabethan period, she explored food preparation methods that would have been present. The result was a culinary experience which transported diners back in time. The recipes, combined with the period's presentation, provided a unique and engaging dining experience.
• The architectural restoration project adopted a historically-informed strategy to preserve the ancient building. They analyzed original construction methods, materials, and structural plans. Preservationists' expertise incorporated the site's past while reinforcing structural elements. The process considered the building's historical significance.