The period, which runs roughly from 1400-1500, are known as the Early Renaissance. It was a century of incredible cultural growth and artistic talent (especially in Florence). Economic and political stability, combined with the rediscovery of classical ideals in art, literature and humanistic philosophy, caused a cultural revolution. The new humanistic approach, so different than the Middle Ages, allowed space for exploration, innovation and freedom of expression. Science and art intermingled to create a new, more realistic and intellectual style. Some of the artists to be studied in this course are Brunelleschi, Donatello, Ghiberti, Masaccio, Fra Angelico, Piero della Francesca, Fra Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Verrocchio, and the young works of Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
ARTH 393 High Renaissance and Mannerism
3 credits
The artwork of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti, greatly affected the artists of their time. The period known as the High Renaissance in fact begins with these two artists and their younger counterpart, Raffaello Sanzio. The High Renaissance style migrates from Florence to new cultural centers, namely Venice and Rome, while in Florence, a new style defined as Mannerism emerges. In its origins, Mannerism was to be the imitation of the High Renaissance style, however it soon became the antithesis of the simple, balanced, and logical style of the late 15th century. The course concentrates on artists such as: Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raffaello, Titian, Vasari, Pontormo, Rosso, Fiorentino, Buontalenti, Giambologna and Cellini.
ARTH 395
Contemporary Art History
3 credits
This course responds to the diverse and personal nature of contemporary art. The course profiles outstanding artists from many aesthetic backgrounds, offering students significant examples to evaluate. Classes are organized around media such as painting, sculpture, photography, performance, film and television, and music. An in-depth, case-study approach is used throughout the course to provide information about personal sources and processes of art making.