Art History: Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neo-classicism and Romanticism OSHER 426-001 Dates: Tuesdays, 1/22/13 – 2/26/13 Times: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Location: Tenth East Senior Center, 237 S. 1000 E., SLC Instructor: Bill Laursen
Course Overview
Week 1 Welcome, introduction to the course and Osher announcements. Topic: The Renaissance. Towards the end of the Dark Ages, key events caused this remarkable event to begin in Florence, Italy. The famous artists of the period, such as Raphael, DaVinci, Michelangelo and many others will be our subject. Their astounding contributions to the history of art will be explored. Slides will illustrate many of the major achievements of the time.
An optional field trip will be arranged by the instructor to visit a local church to see a copy of Michelangel’s ‘Pieta’, which is one of only two exact copies in the world. A convenient day and time will be determined by interested class members.
Week 2 Depending on time needed to cover the first week’s topic, some of week 2 may be needed to finish our discussion of the Renaissance. As we move into the Baroque period of the 1600’s, artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Caravaggio, Velazquez, El Greco and others will be brought to life with interesting aspects of their personalities, lives and contributions. Discussion and slides.
Week 3 Refining the Baroque, which lasted approx. 100 years, we take a look at the Rococo. Mainly a French aspect in the development of high style in fashion and interiors of Palaces, such as, Versailles. Notable characters of the time will include the Kings of France, Marie Antoinette, Chardin, Fragonard and on to England where Gainsborough, Hogarth and Sir Christopher Wren were working. Discussion and slides.
Week 4 As a revolt against the excesses of the Rococo produces the French Revolution and Reign of Terror, the class will be introduced to the major players of the time, including Napoleon, Josephine, J. L. David, Ingres, and others in this fascination time in world history. Slides will be shown to illustrate the topic along with class discussion.
Week 5 One of the most widely popular movements in the history of art is Romanticism, where artists portrayed the drama of storms, nature, the sea and the quest for terrifying experiences, violence and real-life tragedy. Artists of the time include Delacroix, Millet, Corot, Courbet, Daumier, Turner and others. Class members will recognize many of the very famous paintings that will be seen in slides.
Week 6 This session will be reserved as ‘overflow’ time to complete any topics that remain incomplete from previous weeks.