Renaissance to Revolution - History through Art Thursdays ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 1:00-3:00pm ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ January 26 – March 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Freight & Salvage While historical study tends to rely primarily on written texts, artwork can supply an important visual dimension for the past. Great artists have always been sensitive observers; their paintings often serve as articulate commentaries on their times. Through an examination of pivotal cultural movements, this course will explore the three fundamental configurations of the dynamic relationship between history and art. Recommended Text: From Giotto to Cezanne: A Concise History of Painting – Michael Levey A) Art Celebrating Historical Developments: 1) Italian Renaissance – City-Republics ▪ Ingredients for Cultural Revival Naturalism ▪ Perspective ▪ Representation Elite Patronage ▪ Expressions of New Humanism 2) Enlightenment – French Philosophes and Parisian Salons Court Society ▪ French Neo-Classicism Golden Age of Aristocracy ▪ Rococo Elegance B) Art Resisting Historical Developments: 3) 17 th Century Baroque – Exuberant Splendor vs. Protestant Ethic Counter-Reformation or Catholic Renewal? Rubens - Dramatic Art for Spiritual Elevation 4) Romantic Reaction – Industrial Revolution and Art of Nature Emotional Intensity ▪ Repudiation of Reason Romantic Individualism vs. Victorian Sensibilities C) Art Influencing Historical Developments: 5) Reformation Europe – Christian Humanism ▪ Revolution in Religion Renaissance Papacy ▪ Protests against Indulgences Printing Press and German Religious Woodcuts 6) Nationalistic Art – French Revolution & the Napoleonic Legacy Wagner’s Ring Cycle ▪ Rise of German Nation 19 th century Gothic Revival ▪ British Pre-Raphaelites Instructor: Dr. Bruce Elliott [email protected]