The Story of Art

Course goals

• Fundamental knowledge of the development of art and architecture in the West from the Middle Ages to the present, with a focus on The Netherlands and Italy.
• Ability to identify key artworks and artists in the history of Western art, with a focus on The Netherlands and Italy.
• Ability to recognize differences in style and artistic developments.
• Introduction to key terms and concepts in art and architecture;
• Reflection on various critical issues in the historiography of art.

Content

Please note: this course is not intended for BA Art History students. 

This is the first course of the (mostly Dutch-taught) minor Kunstgeschiedenis.

This course provides a broad overview of the history of Western art and architecture from the late Middle Ages to the present, with a special focus on Dutch and Italian art. Students will gain familiarity with some of the major periods of Western artistic production, including the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Baroque, the Dutch Golden Age, Impressionism, and Modern Art. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to identify and speak intelligently about works of art and architecture using visual analysis, and ground them within the social and cultural settings out of which they emerged.

The course provides the fundamental knowledge of art history, with a particular focus on Western Europe. In case of interest, a global perspective in the history of art is offered in the course Global Visions, taught in Block 2 (English course and not part of the minor.)

A museum excursion is planned as part of this course, for which the students will need to support their individual costs of travel and admission.

Additional information

There are no seminars in this course. Only lectures, twice a week. 

This course is part of the minor Art History, and not intended for BA Art History students.