The article discusses the importance of competent perception and interpretation of a visual image / visual text by a person of the XXI century through the development of critical thinking skills that are relevant in the study of the humanities. The basis of existing methods and technologies is the psychological foundations of the perception of the visual and associated mental operations, which determine the “grasping” of the image in its integrity, the subjectivity of experiences, associative thinking and memorization. The main components of critical thinking are highlighted. The purposeful nature of the method of segment analysis of the visual text and its pedagogical significance in the humanities are emphasized. The main results of the study are as follows: the psychological characteristics of the perception of a visual image / visual text, features of critical thinking in the perception of visual information are revealed, the method of segment analysis and the practice of its application in the process of humanitarian education.