ART 341-01, Modern Art I: European Art 1760-1884, Fall 2006

Abstract

The objectives of the course are as follows: (1) to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the major images, artists, and movements of European art between 1760 and 1884; (2) to integrate these images with the broader social and intellectual history of the period; and (3) to help students develop their skills in visual analysis, image identification, critical reading, research, and historical interpretation. Among the issues we will examine are the following: the revival of classical ideals in the late eighteenth century, the development of a public audience for the visual arts at the same time, the intersection between nationalism and new themes and styles in art, the cult of individuality within romanticism, the infatuation with contemporary life, and the emergence of realism and impressionism. Art 341 is the first course in a three-part sequence designed to trace the development of modernism in the visual arts in the West since the eighteenth century. Though the emphasis of the course is on the visual arts, the ideas examined are applicable to courses covering the same chronological period in history, languages, and philosophy. This is an intermediate level course with no prerequisites. Art 341 is a combination lecture and discussion course.