ART HISTORY

The History of Art course is part of the Humanities curriculum of the Foundation Year. The aim of the course is to provide students with an understanding of the main themes of European art in order to prepare them for admission to three-year degree courses in Cultural Heritage (or equivalent) in Italy. Through the study of painting in the Republic of Venice, and in particular of the technical and material evolution of ‘painting’ in relation to other media (ie. drawing, sculpture, architecture), students will be able to understand the methodologies and main critical issues of the discipline. The main works of the most significant artists of Venetian art will be analysed, within a broad historical period, between the 14th and 18th centuries.

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
- Carry out a correct reading of the formal qualities of a work of art, using the appropriate basic terminology of the subject;
- Navigate the traditional narratives of Venetian art, through significant examples studied in class;
- Read and critically interpret art historical texts;
- Reflect upon the historical value of artistic heritage, in its socio-cultural and political dimensions.

None. The course is taught in English.

During each class, we will examine a case study of a painting in relation to another medium, also to demonstrate the heuristic value of the case study in the humanities. The course will begin with an introductory lesson on the development of the painting as a medium in art history, and on the material and theoretical issues relevant for the study of painting in the modern age.

- Slides and personal notes;
- Peter Humfrey, "Painting in Renaissance Venice", New Haven and London 1994, selected chapters;
- Michael Levey, "Painting in eighteenth-century Venice, Oxford 1959, selected chapters.

The final evaluation (mark) will result from the following:
- Participation in class discussions: 30%
- Personal in-class presentation on a topic assigned by the teacher: 30%
- Final written test with open questions: 40%.

written and oral

28-30L: mastery of the topics covered in class and in the textbooks; ability to analyze and critically interpret; use of appropriate technical terminology;
26-27: good knowledge of the topics covered in class and, to a lesser extent, in the texts; fair ability to organize information and present it orally; familiarity with technical terminology;
24-25: not always in-depth knowledge of the topics covered in class and in the texts; orderly oral presentation but with not always correct use of technical terminology;
22-23: often superficial knowledge of the topics covered in class and in the texts; unclear oral presentation and lacking in technical terminology;
18-21: knowledge of the topics covered in class and in the texts is at times incomplete; confused oral presentation, with little use of technical terminology.

The course will take place mainly in class, mainly trhough lectures but also through students presentations. Group discussions will be encouraged throughout the course. Some visit to Venetian institutions will be organized, to observe and examine works of art in person (Gallerie dell'Accademia, Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, Ca' Rezzonico).

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development