Week 2: 19-23 July 2010

NEW COURSE

Course 15: Dr Cecily Hennessy

Away from the Centre: Byzantine Cities beyond Constantinople

£420

The richness of Byzantine art and culture was created in numerous vital political, social and religious centres throughout the Byzantine world. From the brilliance of early mosaics in Ravenna to the sophisticated late painting programmes in Mystra, this course explores the patronage, iconography, techniques and significance of art and architecture made during the Byzantine empire in centres other than Constantinople. Both artists and patrons sometimes originated in the capital, but created both traditional and innovative work in the cities and monastic sites in far flung places, such as Mount Athos, Cappadocia and Thessaloniki. Additionally, local artists perfected indigenous styles. Other cultures, such as the Venetians and the Normans in Sicily were strongly influenced by the authority and beauty associated with Byzantine art and incorporated elements of it into their buildings and treasured possessions. Visits include a handling session at the British Museum and a ‘behind-the-scenes’ visit to the British Library.

Please note that Dr Hennessy is also leading a study tour to Byzantine Istanbul, with an optional added tour to Byzantine Cappadocia, from 1–4 September and from 5–8 September respectively.



Week 3: 26-30 July 2010

NEW COURSE

Course 24: Gail Turner

Art in Spain: El Greco to Goya

£420

This course introduces the rich variety of Spanish art - from the Habsburg 16th century to the early 19th-century Napoleonic period.  One of the questions we raise is how Spanish is Spanish Art? In the 16th century, Spain’s wealthy empire attracted talented artists, architects and sculptors from all over Europe.  Italian and Flemish prints were often the initial inspiration for many Spanish artists in the 17th century.  Spain was a leader of the Counter Reformation and the Spanish church commissioned vast numbers of religious images during the late 16th and 17th centuries. Realism was considered most effective in communicating the Catholic cause. This is reflected in the paintings of Velázquez, Zurbarán, and Murillo, and in contemporary sculptures, some of which even incorporated ivory teeth and glass eyes.  This period saw the origins of the enduring tradition of popular processions, during which life-size images of Christ and the Virgin were paraded round the streets.  Meanwhile the court in Madrid commissioned grand-style portraiture and decorative schemes, demonstrating the formality and the power of the Habsburg Empire while seemingly ignoring the realities of the impending political and economic melt-down. When the Bourbons succeeded in 1700 a new mood engaged Spain.  Spanish art was again dominated by foreigners who in turn trained native Spaniards, such as Goya.  London has a wealth of Spanish paintings, and visits will include the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum.