The history of Western art in 100 paintings

City Lit

Course

In London

£ 669 VAT inc.

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Description

  • Type

    Course

  • Location

    London

  • Start date

    Different dates available

This is a gallery-based course which aims to give a chronological overview of the history of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present through a 100 key works. We will explore: artists’ processes, materials and techniques; the historical context in which they worked; styles and movements, as well as developing ways of discussing paintings.
In the first term, we will look at the Gothic, Italian Renaissance, Northern Renaissance, High Renaissance, Mannerism and Baroque. In the second term, we will look at Rococo, Neo-classicism, Romanticism, Impressionism, post-Impressionism, Fauvism and the other ‘isms’ of the early 20th Century.
Galleries to be visited include: the National Gallery, the V&A, the Wallace Collection, Tate Britain and Tate Modern.

Facilities

Location

Start date

London
See map
Keeley Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 4BA

Start date

Different dates availableEnrolment now open

About this course

- List most of the major styles/movements/periods in western art history from 1250 to now and name at least three artists from each; identify at least ten key works
- Describe (in brief) the socio-cultural background to each period
- Identify the period and style of an art work (within 50 years)
- Define several key terms like ‘egg tempera,’ ‘mark-making,’ ‘glaze’, ‘wet on wet’ etc.
- Participate in discussions either written or verbal about paintings.

Some of the galleries have entrance fees. You may wish to buy some of the books on the reading list. Please note we are unable to guarantee seats on gallery visits so you may have to stand and to walk between exhibits. You might prefer to invest in a lightweight portable seat. The session includes a coffee break - drinks are not included in your fee.

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Subjects

  • Art
  • Materials
  • Works

Course programme

- The major styles/movements/periods in western art history from 1250 to the early 20th century through key works and key artists
- The socio-cultural background to each period
- How to recognise which period an art work belongs to
- Artists’ processes, materials, and techniques
- Analysing a painting.

You will be taught in galleries with guided visits, handouts, discussions, and (short) supplementary reading/visual material. If possible, you should take a look at the supplementary material between classes. The session includes a coffee break.

Additional information

You might also be interested in VB309 - Extended history of modern art in 50 works. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 19:00. See the course guide for term dates and further details

See related categories

The history of Western art in 100 paintings

£ 669 VAT inc.

The best History courses

See all

See all