Current course offerings

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Course description

This course is about the realities and myths of Renaissance and Baroque art from the 14th to the 17th centuries. We will explore paintings, sculptures and architecture by both iconic and lesser known artists in order to understand why Renaissance and Baroque art still matters to our understanding of the world in which we live. We begin with the Italian Renaissance, and consider topics such as the reinterpretation of antiquity, the development of scientific perspective, and the rise of individualism and secular humanism. Moving to the Northern Renaissance, especially in Germany and the Netherlands, we will consider new artistic approaches to light and colour, the revolution of printmaking, the impact of the Reformation, and the emergence of Mannerism as a vital style. This will prepare the way for our discussion of Baroque art in both Italy and Northern Europe, and themes such as patronage, theatricality, and the cult of the artist. Emphasis is on developing visual literacy, critical thinking, and confidence in writing about art.

Archived offerings