- Wednesday, 30 October 2024
- Wednesday, 6 November 2024
- Wednesday, 13 November 2024
- Wednesday, 20 November 2024
- Wednesday, 27 November 2024
- Wednesday, 4 December 2024
About
The Renaissance was one of the most dynamic periods in the history of European art and culture, producing remarkable developments in painting, architecture, sculpture, music, philosophy and science. In the hands of a few exceptional figures, the role of the artist began to expand from being artisan makers of images and objects, to that of multi-talented ‘Renaissance man’, not only changing the way people viewed and depicted the world, but also changing the look and feel of the world itself.
In this module, we examine the meaning of the term ‘Renaissance’, learn about the influence of humanism, the invention of linear perspective, the rise of the individual and the growth of the international luxury goods trade.
Find out more about 'Stories of art' and upcoming modules.
Week 1: The Renaissance
What does the word ‘Renaissance’ really mean?
The 15th century saw new ideas and artistic techniques sweep across Europe. Looking at Italy and Flanders, as well as other European states, we will explore the impact of the rise of humanism and the rediscovery of antiquity.
Week 2: Bruges and Flanders
What made Bruges such a vibrant artistic centre?
Closely linked by trade to Florence, Bruges became one of the leading centres of art patronage and production in Europe. We’ll consider some of the famous artists and artworks that were produced there.
Week 3: Portraits, people and gods
Learn how ideas about individuality changed portraiture.
As new ideas about the importance of the individual began to take root in the early 1400s, different forms of portraiture appeared. We’ll look at the increasing realism and emotional impact of portraits and at depictions of figures from myth, legend and history.
Week 4: Secular and domestic
What can paintings tell us about everyday life in the Renaissance?
This week we look at the growing desire for domestic artworks. Painted objects and decorative furnishings for the home, including ‘cassoni’ (marriage chests) as well as private devotional objects, reveal a lot about household life in the 15th century.
Week 5: Court and state
What was the relationship between art and power?
As the different states of Italy jockeyed for position on the European stage, art and patronage became important weapons in maintaining the relative importance of duchies, dynasties, republics and kingdoms.
Week 6: The artist as 'star'
By the end of the century, some artists, like Leonardo da Vinci, had achieved ‘star’ status.
How did this change come about? As we bring together what we have learned about the art of the 15th century we will look at the rise of the artist as a 'star performer'.
Your tutor
Jo Walton is an art historian and lecturer specialising in the art and architecture of the Italian Renaissance and on aspects of British art of the 20th century. She has worked extensively with The Arts Society, The Art Fund, and local art groups around the UK.
Watch again
Can't make Wednesday evenings but don't want to miss out? No problem, you can watch again.
Each session is recorded and made available to you for the duration of the course, up until 2 weeks after the final session.
A video of the week's lecture will be uploaded and available for you to watch via your National Gallery account on Friday afternoons, in time for the weekend.
Format
Each session lasts for 2 hours and includes a lecture delivered by the course lecturer followed by a short break and further discussion.
Time will be allowed for questions and discussion via Q&A.
Handouts will be available via your National Gallery account on Tuesday mornings.
Optional homework is provided to help you prepare for the following week's session.
Booking information
This is an online ticketed course hosted on Zoom. Please book a ticket to access the course. Only one ticket can be booked per account.
You will be emailed an E-ticket with instructions on how to access the course via your National Gallery account. All course information including your Zoom link, weekly handouts, and recordings will be available here.
Your link will be valid for the duration of the course.
Booking after the course has started
You are welcome to join the module at any point during its six-week run. You will gain access to all the recordings until two weeks after the final session.
Stories of art 1400-1500
- Wednesday, 30 October 2024
- Wednesday, 6 November 2024
- Wednesday, 13 November 2024
- Wednesday, 20 November 2024
- Wednesday, 27 November 2024
- Wednesday, 4 December 2024
Enrol
Standard: £90
Concessions: £85.50
Please book a ticket to access the event. You will receive an E-ticket with instructions on how to access your online events, films and resources via your National Gallery account.
Please note, only one ticket can be booked per account. Bookings close ten minutes before the event.
Concessions are for full-time students, jobseekers, and disabled adults.