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
Fee calculator
To display course fees, please select your status and program below:
We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.