Course Description


‘Introduction to Art History’

We piloted this three-day course just ahead of summer school last year and based on its success and popularity, we have decided to run it twice this year.

Tuesday 23 – Thursday 25 March 2010

and

Tuesday 13 – Thursday 15 April 2010

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE DATES AND THE OTHER INFORMATION IN THIS ARCHIVE SECTION REFER TO THE COURSE AS IT RAN IN 2010. 

IN 2011 THE COURSE WILL RUN TWICE, FROM 28 MARCH TO 31 MARCH 2011 AND

FROM 11 APRIL TO 14 APRIL 2011.  FURTHER INFORMATION  WILL BE PUT ON-LINE

IN MID-DECEMBER 2010.



Dr Anne Puetz and Sarah Hyde

£235

This intensive course has been devised for people who would like to develop their interest in works of art and the discipline of art history.  It is open to everyone, including students from the age of 16.



Looking at Art:

On the first day students will be introduced to some of the important conventions that governed the production of art in different historical periods and will examine how works of art are made. We shall look at objects from The Courtauld collections ranging from paintings to prints, drawings and sculpture, to show how the techniques and artistic strategies used to create them affect not only their appearance but also their meanings.



Critical Reading :

Day two will look at the discipline of art history: how writers on art have analysed artists' work, and the changing criteria they have used to assess their creations. We shall examine the different methodologies that have informed the writing about art to the present day through a close reading of excerpts from selected key texts.



Interpreting Art:

During the final day students will be introduced to the workings of public art galleries: not only how they collect and conserve works of art but also how they display and interpret them.

The course includes illustrated lectures and more informal sessions in front of works of art in The Courtauld Gallery and the Print Room. We hope to stimulate debate and invite participants to ask questions and discuss ideas with the two course leaders and fellow students. The group will be limited to a maximum of 32 participants; if necessary, it will be subdivided into sub-groups with a maximum of 16 students for in situ sessions in the Gallery and Print Room.