Course overview
This course explores how dynamic religious, scientific, political, social, and economic forces transformed sacred and secular art, architecture, and decorative arts in seventeenth-century Europe, focusing on Italy, the Low Countries (Flanders and the Netherlands), and Spain. The first module examines the cultural complexity of the Baroque from an elaborate style and multimedia spectacle associated with the Counter-Reformation and monarchical Absolutism to an expression of earthy naturalism and emotive theatricality. The second and third modules concentrate on the golden ages of Dutch and Spanish painting, encompassing innovations in portraiture and inventive new genres, such as landscape and still life.
Course learning outcomes
- Understand the cultural diversity and social contexts framing the Baroque in seventeenth-century Europe and as a global phenomenon
- Analyse and interpret technical, stylistic, and thematic elements of Baroque images and objects
- Critically examine art historical methodologies and theories to articulate a research question for investigation
- Engage in respectful, reflective, and inclusive discussion of methodological approaches, theories, and concepts reflecting a variety of perspectives
- Conduct advanced research using credible academic sources to propose a question for an extended analytic, argumentative essay
Degree list
The following degrees include this course