In depth: early Renaissance

The study of Renaissance art is traditionally divided into three phases: Early, High, and Late Renaissance. The development of the Early Renaissance style is generally linked to Florence at the beginning of the 15th century, but in recent years the impact of the work of Flemish artists on Italian art has also come to be recognised. In this course, we will look at how ideas spread from Northern Italy and Western Europe and vice-versa.
This 8-session course looks at early Renaissance painting, sculpture and architecture in Italy and northern Europe up until c.1450 by looking at selected artists and their work. It aims to place key artworks into their historical context, in order to appreciate their complex social, religious and political functions and to look at artist’s processes and techniques, and patronage. One class is held in a museum so that students can study artworks at first-hand.