Module Outline (updated March 2014)
This module examines some key themes relating to the art and architecture of the High Renaissance in Italy. These include: the connections between antiquarianism, eroticism, and desire; preoccupations with proportionality and with the colossal; the notion of an `antirenaissance`; Mannerism, contrivance, and artificiality; the development of art theory; and the uncertain role and character of nature. The module is thematic, rather than chronological. It is structured around a group of artworks and buildings on the one hand, and a selection of relevant primary texts and modern art historical readings on the other. It is not concerned with a celebration of the Renaissance as a period of exemplary cultural achievement or a golden age in European art. Rather, it seeks to mainatin an acute consciousness of the alterity of many of the phenomena under discussion and to investigate works of art with a view to their historical and cultural specificity. Simultaneously, the module explores a range of art historical approaches to these artworks and buildings, and interrogates the notion of the Renaissance itself.
Aims
to investigate the major artistic developments of the High Renaissance in Italy;
to explore a number of different methodologies for approaching works of art and architecture of the period;
to situate artistic production during the High Renaissance in it cultural, religious, political and social contexts;
to develop writing skills and skills of visual analysis.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module students should:
be able to analyse visually works of High Renaissance art and architecture;
be able to relate High Renaissance art and architecture to its social, religious, political and cultural contexts;
be able to distinguish critically between different methodological approaches to High Renaissance art and architecture;
be able to speak articulately in class regarding High Renaissance art and architecture;
be able to write in an informed, critical and argumentative manner on High Renaissance art and architecture.
This module examines some key themes relating to the art and architecture of the High Renaissance in Italy. These include: the connections between antiquarianism, eroticism, and desire; preoccupations with proportionality and with the colossal; the notion of an `antirenaissance`; Mannerism, contrivance, and artificiality; the development of art theory; and the uncertain role and character of nature. The module is thematic, rather than chronological. It is structured around a group of artworks and buildings on the one hand, and a selection of relevant primary texts and modern art historical readings on the other. It is not concerned with a celebration of the Renaissance as a period of exemplary cultural achievement or a golden age in European art. Rather, it seeks to mainatin an acute consciousness of the alterity of many of the phenomena under discussion and to investigate works of art with a view to their historical and cultural specificity. Simultaneously, the module explores a range of art historical approaches to these artworks and buildings, and interrogates the notion of the Renaissance itself.
Aims
to investigate the major artistic developments of the High Renaissance in Italy;
to explore a number of different methodologies for approaching works of art and architecture of the period;
to situate artistic production during the High Renaissance in it cultural, religious, political and social contexts;
to develop writing skills and skills of visual analysis.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module students should:
be able to analyse visually works of High Renaissance art and architecture;
be able to relate High Renaissance art and architecture to its social, religious, political and cultural contexts;
be able to distinguish critically between different methodological approaches to High Renaissance art and architecture;
be able to speak articulately in class regarding High Renaissance art and architecture;
be able to write in an informed, critical and argumentative manner on High Renaissance art and architecture.