Western Art from Classicism to Impressionism

Course Title: Understanding Art: Western Art from Classicism to Impressionism
Type of Course: Adult Education
Credit: Not credit-bearing

Week
Session Title

1. Iconography of Venus, Cupid & Mars

2. Iconography of Adorations & Annunciations

3. Iconography: Saints & Sinners

4. Byzantine & Gothic

5. Medieval & Gothic

6. Florentine Renaissance

7. Art & Reformation in Northern Renaissance Europe

8. Botticelli & Florence

9. Leonardo: Projects, Patrons & Peregrinations

10. Raphael and the End of the Renaissance

11. The Rise of the Divine Michelangelo

12. Titian and the Venetian Masters

13. Baroque: Carracci to Bernini - A New Direction

14. Northern Baroque in England: Mytens to Van Dyck

15. Art in Spain: Velázquez to Murillo

16. Art in France: Poussin to Claude

17. The Dutch Golden Age: Rembrandt to Vermeer

18. From the Victorian Age to the Modern Age

19. National Gallery Visit

Course Overview

This course offers an exploration of Western European art from early Byzantine through to late Victorian art and Impressionism. Participants will delve into the lives of various artists, their cultural backgrounds, and their influence on subsequent art movements. The programme follows a broadly chronological approach, encompassing different geographical regions of Europe, and introduces key movements, styles, and artists such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and others.

The course also includes a visit to one of London's major art galleries, providing an opportunity to engage directly with artworks discussed during the sessions.

Required Previous Experience (if any)
None required.

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)
None required.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, you will be better prepared to:

• Recognise and discuss key works and movements in Western European art from the Byzantine period to Impressionism

• Understand the cultural and historical contexts that influenced various art movements and artists

• Analyse and interpret artworks using appropriate art historical terminology

• Appreciate the evolution of artistic styles and techniques over time

Teaching and Learning Approach

The teaching and learning approach for this course combines tutor-led instruction, visual presentations, group discussions, and a gallery visit. Classes are conducted face-to-face in a classroom setting, employing diverse teaching methods to engage students, accommodate varied learning styles, and support effective understanding of the subject matter. The approach is designed to recognise and be responsive to the diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities, and cultural perspectives represented within the student cohort, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Additional Information

This course descriptor may be subject to change during the delivery of the course, depending on the specific direction and nature of the learner cohort, and is intended to be responsive to group dynamics as they emerge during the delivery of the course.