Iconography and iconology: secrets of the old masters revealed

Course

In London

£ 249 VAT inc.

Description

  • Type

    Course

  • Location

    London

  • Start date

    Different dates available

What do all the strange signs and symbols in the paintings mean, and what is this fascination with Greek mythology all about? If it all seems impenetrable to you, and you like to find out what paintings really mean, this is the course for you. It will give you the tools to crack the hidden codes behind paintings in any art gallery, and indentify the seemingly mysterious figures in great works of art. This course aims to look at the stories which are often re-told in secular and religious Italian Renaissance painting around, 1400-1600. Most often the stories came from antique literary sources which had survived through the middle ages and were the preserve of the rich and cultured.
What previous students liked most about their course:
“Excellent clear lectures, well supported with slides and handouts.”
“The knowledge and teaching style of the tutor.”
“Very thorough and lively presentation from a knowledgeable and enthusiastic historian.”

Facilities

Location

Start date

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

Start date

Different dates availableEnrolment now open

About this course

- State the major motivations of the patrons who commissioned the artists
- Relate in terms of chronology, the span of the period
- Identify different signs and symbols in paintings
- Differentiate between Gods, Goddesses and personifications
- Identify Gods, Goddesses and personification by their attributes
- Participate in discussions about a single painting from an iconographical point of view.

Limited book purchase recommended but optional; a bibliography will be provided.

The course will be classroom-based and will be taught in a seminar format, with the use of slides and handouts. There will also be a museum visit. Making your own further museum visits, and reading outside the course, will greatly enhance your experience.

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Subjects

  • Art

Course programme

In order to unravel the pictorial content of paintings produced during the Italian Renaissance, the viewer needs to have some working knowledge of mythology. We will recognise the stories by interpreting signs and symbols, also known as the iconography and iconology, as well as recognising ‘types’ in the paining. Why were these subjects so popular? Were paintings merely illustrations of the text or did they carry some deeper meaning? How did artists such as Botticelli, Pintoricchio, Titian and Tintoretto approach these subjects? From mythology to religious art, all will be revealed.

Additional information

You might also be interested in: VB131 - Italian Renaissance drawing: design, form and function VB427 - The rise and fall of the Italian Renaissance. 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

Iconography and iconology: secrets of the old masters revealed

£ 249 VAT inc.