Students will be expected to develop, in the course of the semester, the following:

-       A familiarity with period and individual styles of Late Gothic and Early Renaissance art through a study of major works. Ready recognition of selected works, and knowledge of relevant factual information.

-       Command of problems of interpretation in relation to the study of

selected works; basic familiarity with subject matter and iconography,

function, patronage and purpose

-       An understanding of different art historical methodologies and views of the period through selected readings by major scholars in the field

-       A familiarity with some contemporary sources and writings on Early Renaissance art.

-       A basic understanding of the historical, political and social context in which this art and architecture was produced and in which artists and architects were formed.

-        Development of critical thinking about art and art history through course readings,  assignments and class discussion

-       Improved research skills through use of not simply the JCU library (and ideally, others in Rome), Jstor, and use of bibliographical sources, published and electronic.

-       Furthering of writing skills: declaration and development of a clearly stated theme, organization, discussion of distinctive views and approaches, written expression and structure.

-       Furthering of oral communication skills, through class discussion.

            In Early Renaissance Italy, a new type of art emerged that was to change the concept of looking and representation, and the relationships between artist and patron, viewer and artwork. Beginning with the revolutionary vision of such artists as Giotto and Duccio in the early 14thC, and concluding with the flourishing of art and architecture in Florence under Cosimo de’Medici until his death in 1464, this course will investigate the culture and accomplishments of two centuries of creativity which lay the critical groundwork for Western art until the later 19thC.

            A basically chronological exploration of works of painting, sculpture and architecture in, especially, Florence, Siena and Rome will present a consideration of major art historical issues concerning this period. Through study of the works of Donatello, Ghiberti, Masaccio, Brunelleschi, Alberti, Piero della Francesca and other key artists, students should gain familiarity not only with the selected artworks themselves, but also with the historical, religious and social context in which they were produced, and debates concerning style, patronage, function, iconography and meaning. 

Some topics will include: the Renaissance “rediscovery” and reinterpretation of antiquity; the relationship of humanist study to art;  the social and economic structures of art patronage; observation of nature and artistic convention; narrative and “istoria”; the effects of religious thought and practice on the devotional image; portraiture and social identity; civic pride and self-imaging in Florentine art; the “renovatio” of Rome under the Quattrocento popes; perspective as science and as symbolic space.

            An important aspect of the course will be on-site study, in Rome (for your Journals) and, especially, in Florence.  These experiences will give students the opportunity to examine works of the Early Renaissance in person, and often in their original context. Though the “start-up” of the Renaissance was slow in Rome, and few monuments from the early 15C survive, we will on occasion visit museums and sites during the class period as well.

Textbook and Readings:

Frederick Hartt and David Wilkins, History of Renaissance Art. Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Lawrence King Publishing, 2011, 7th ed.

Several supplementary readings will be required, including writings from Renaissance sources such as Alberti and Vasari, plus selections chosen from the work of a variety of modern scholars, to introduce you to some different methods, views and approaches. Recommended articles and book chapters will also be suggested.