Arts of the Middle Ages

Description

This lecture/seminar course is an introduction to the study of medieval art and architecture in Europe, from the demise of Late Antique traditions up to the Renaissance. In the context of a thematic survey, students are introduced to the terminology, methods, materials, subject matter and function of medieval art and architecture. Since the largest proportion of surviving materials is religious, this includes a firm grounding in the medieval Christian tradition and the nature of the prominent institutions of Church and state. Secular art is considered where possible or appropriate, and broader issues of material culture are explored.