MODERN ART

This course is the first part of the art history module in the degree course ‘Economics and Administration of Arts and Culture (EGART)’. The main objective is to provide students with the main methodological tools and basic historical notions about early modern and contemporary art. The 12-credit course in Modern and Contemporary Art consists of two parts, each of 6 credits. The first part (Modern Art) is held in the third term. This part of the course concerns the history of art in the period 1500–1800, with a focus on landscape art in relation to environmental and territorial history.

Students obtain 12 credits when passing both partial exams in whatsoever order. The final grade is given by the average of the two partial grades. Both parts must be passed within the same academic year, under penalty of forfeiture of the partial credits accrued.

This course provides a wide-ranging introduction to early modern art history, its methods and its obects. Classes will delve into questions related to theoretical framings beyond the main case study, the art of eighteenth-century artist Antonio Canal, called Canaletto.

At the end of the course, students will have learned:
• To utilise visual analysis skills: Analyse the subject matter, visual language and recognize the techniques of works of art created in early modern Europe;
• To orientate themselves in narratives of European art history: Deploy some historical knowledge about the art of early modern Europe;
• To reflect theoretically on landscape: Demonstrate understanding of the socio-cultural, political and aesthetic dimensions of landscape, beyond its historicity.
• To utilise basic historiographic tools: Gain understanding of the relationship between the economic value of art and historiographic narratives.

No previous requirements. Students can read any art-history manual to familiarise with early modern Venetian art. The lecturer is available for bibliographic suggestions.

"Canaletto: landscape, geography and visual culture in early modern Venice."
The main focus of the course is the history of landscape and topographic art in early modern Venice, centered on the figure of Canaletto (1697–1768). Despite Canaletto's reputation as the painter of Venetian architecture, he was also known for his imaginary views or capricci and his experimentation in various media. The course is structured along three thematic axes: the first examines the international circulation of his work, the Grand Tour, and the creation of a stereotypical image of Venice. The second concerns the connection between Canaletto's oeuvre and the Venetian tradition of landscape art, particularly as it addresses the relationship between city and country, including the lagoon. The third axe addresses the artist's role in the renovation of view painting, its techniques, and in its historiographic reception. By bringing together perspectives from the social history of art, urban geography, and the environmental humanities, the course will work as an introduction to the most recent developments in art-historical methods.

1) Notes taken in class.

2) Mandatory texts:
• Katharine Baetjer and J.G. Links, Canaletto, exhibition catalogue, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1989 (PDF available online);
• Giuliano Briganti, The view painters of Europe, London, Phaidon, 1970 (PDF available online).

3) Articles and selected chapters from various books.

Assessment of a two-hour written exam, divided into two parts:
- One artwork, selected among those commented in class and included in the slides. Students will have to recognise it and discuss it in relation to the course's themes.
- Two open questions about topics presented in class.
The use of books, notes, and electronic media is not allowed during the exam.

written

Grade description:
• <18: fail.
• 18-23: sufficient work. Shows basic understanding of the course subject.
• 24-27: competent work. Comprehensive reading, good command of the themes and sparks of critical posture.
• 27-30: excellent work. Wide reading, engagement with visual evidence, and critical analysis of subject matter.
• 31: outstanding work (cum laude). Exceptional initiative and acute understanding of the issues.

This course combines traditional frontal teaching (lectures) with museum visits.
The slides will be uploaded on the Moodle page within 24 hours after class.

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