HAU33008 and HAU33016 Painting in Europe in the Long Renaissance

This module is an exploration of Italian art – painting and sculpture - from c.1300 to c.1700 in the major centres of Florence, Rome, Venice, Naples, and Milan. The era is distinguished by a revived interest in Italy’s classical past and the emergence of humanist philosophies, and the impact of both on art over a long timeline will be investigated. The evolution of religious subject matter will be analysed via a number of different typologies – the fresco cycle, the altarpiece, the sculpted figure. The emergence and development of secular themes, including representations of classical mythology, will also be considered. The module will examine evolving stylistic debates around the values of naturalism and classicism over time, and the ways in which artists reflected on the very concept of the “Renaissance” in different artistic centres. The role of patronage, both civic and private, and the rising status of the artist will feature prominently, and particular attention will be paid to artistic processes and means of production.