Specialized courses offered periodically on specific aspects of the art of the early modern world. Courses are normally research-led topics on an area of current academic concern.
May be taken more than once for credit with different topics.

Satisfies "the Early Modern World" core course requirement for Art History majors

An exploration of European visual culture and architecture during the tumultuous 18^th century, a period associated with scientific, philosophical and political revolution. Traditionally understood as the periods of Rococo and Neoclassicism, the course investigates the transformation of art and architectural practice from the elite spaces of aristocratic patronage to increasingly public forums for producing, viewing and discussing art. The critical role of travel and international exchange as well as the effects of colonialism are also examined. Artists to be discussed include Tiepolo, Watteau, Piranesi, Robert Adam, Fragonard, David, and Vigée-Lebrun.

Moving through Europe according to region, the course examines works produced in cosmopolitan centers that were the sites of cultural exchange. Themes that will be discussed in individual lectures include the relationship of forms of governance to art production; the expanding possibilities for women to participate in art making; the understanding of the natural world informing the production of imagery; and the inquiry into historical origins of civilization whose emphasis on cultural “purity” produces a shift in approaches to architecture and image making. Travel, commerce and exchange will be explored in lectures that treat the Grand Tour in Italy and colonial ventures in Asia and the Americas. Assigned readings provide both broad background for the works under consideration and specialized studies that focus upon critical issues for the period.

•ability to discuss works of art and architecture according to formal criteria, as well as understanding how some of these criteria developed out of 18^th-century art criticism

•acquisition of critical terminology pertaining to art of the period

•broad knowledge of works of art and architecture across Europe and across the globe in the colonial context

•understanding of the social and historical contexts that distinguish art and architecture of the 18^th century

•understanding of the concept of style and how it has shaped the interpretation of 18^th-century art

•skills in conducting research on early modern art and architecture using digital sources as well as primary sources

•ability to write about art works in their historical contexts

You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed.

The full schedule with required readings and dates for assignments will be distributed the first day of class and will be available on the course Moodle page. The professor reserves the right to make changes to the schedule.