Dr Georgia Clarke

course description


This course looks at Rome during this extremely significant period of architectural history from the return of the papacy after the Great Schism to the death of Pope Alexander VII. The course considers the urban development of the city as a whole as well as particular buildings and projects, including the refashioning and rebuilding of St Peter's. The history of the architecture and urbanism of the city during this period is considered through the examination of specific architectural and artistic interventions, the roles played by different groups and individuals in forming Rome's social and architectural structure adn urban spaces, and broader thematic issues, such as the uses and effects of processions through the city.

Another important aspect of the course is an understanding of the classical, Christian, and medieval roots of Rome - physical and ideological - as well as contemporary interpretations and reinterpretations of these during this period. Exploring the refashioning of the city and the ideas behind the creation and use of spaces and buildings we will seek to understand the emergence and presentations of the Renovatio Romae and the Respublica Christiana.

The introduction to this course, during the first part of the autumn term, will focus on the acquisition of key skills that will be both subject- and period-based, such as classes on drawings, treatises, and documents.

language and other requirements


Standard entry requirements, plus a reading knowledge of Italian (or willingness to acquire one) will be helpful.