For Spring 2025:

We begin with a shortened overview of European art, from its cradle in classical Greece, and trace its expressive development through early Christian art. We will then follow the rebirth of humanism and how it is reflected in Renaissance art, and then investigate the ‘eccentricities’ of Mannerism, the dynamic and magisterial nature of the Baroque and the subsequent, sensuous, but courtly, refinements of Rococo. We will then look at the work of individual artists, such as the great polymath, Leonardo da Vinci, the ‘poetic’ visions of Botticelli, the three foremost women artists, of the 16/ 17th c. (greatly neglected for centuries, but now placed near the forefront of the great artists of their day). We will trace from ancient Egypt to modern times the history of both sculpture and architecture, (which is often the site for splendid stained glass and iconic sculpture). We will look at the 20th c. paired work of Diego Rivera, (who tried to inspire the socialisation and modernisation of his Mexican nation) and his wife, Frieda Kahlo, who unflinchingly depicted the thitherto un-illustrated woman’s-life.  A gallery visit will form part of the course.