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)’. It aims 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 eighteenth-century landscape painting in relation to environmental history and urban studies.

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 an introduction to early modern art history, its methods and its obects. The focus will be on the art of eighteenth-century artist Antonio Canal, called Canaletto, however, classes will delve into questions related to historical developments and theoretical framings beyond the main case study.

At the end of the course, students will have learned:
• To utilise visual analysis skills: Analyse the pictures' subject matter and visual language and recognize the main techniques of works of art created in early modern Europe;
• To orientate themselves in narratives of European art history: Deploy fundamental 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 some understanding of the relationship between the socio-economic value of art and historiographic narratives, as this relates to the course of study.

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, visual culture and urban studies in early modern Venice."
The main focus of the course is the history of landscape painting in early modern Venice, centered on the figure of Canaletto (1697–1768). Despite Canaletto's reputation as the painter of Venetian architecture and exact topographic views or vedute, 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 since the sixteenth century, particularly as it addresses the relationship between city and country, including the lagoon. The third axis addresses the artist's role in the renovation of view painting, especially through technical experimentation across different media. 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.

The course will be formally assessed. Students will sit a 1h30min 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

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

Grade description:
• <18: fail.
• 18-23: sufficient work. Shows basic understanding of the course subject.
• 24-27: competent work. Comprehensive reading of the texts, good command of the themes and sparks of critical posture.
• 27-30: excellent work. Wide reading, engagement with visual evidence, and critical analysis of the various problems addressed during the course.
• 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 "Natural capital and environmental quality" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development