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Pulkit Aggarwal

In this course, we will discuss about the different aspects of Art History from Renaissance to the 20th century as follows:-

Part 1 – Course introduction & precursors to Renaissance art

Course introduction

Precursors to Renaissance art in Italy

  • Precursors to Renaissance art in Italy: Roman, Romanesque, and Gothic art and architecture;

  • Florence’s beginnings, from its foundation as a Roman colony to the wool trade, to the introduction of a banking network

Part 2 – Florence during the Middle Ages and the shift to naturalism

Read more

In this course, we will discuss about the different aspects of Art History from Renaissance to the 20th century as follows:-

Part 1 – Course introduction & precursors to Renaissance art

Course introduction

Precursors to Renaissance art in Italy

  • Precursors to Renaissance art in Italy: Roman, Romanesque, and Gothic art and architecture;

  • Florence’s beginnings, from its foundation as a Roman colony to the wool trade, to the introduction of a banking network

Part 2 – Florence during the Middle Ages and the shift to naturalism

  • 14th-century Florence: The Black Death, Boccaccio, and The Decameron; Petrarch and humanism; Cimabue and Giotto;

  • Early Renaissance in Florence: Naturalism and the art of sculpture: Donatello, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti and the Gates of Paradise

Part 3 – The rediscovery of perspective

  • Drawing, painting, the rediscovery of perspective, and the chiaroscuro technique: Filippo Brunelleschi, Leon Battista Alberti, Masaccio, and Paolo Uccello; Pre-Renaissance Perspective; One-Point Perspective; Two-Point Perspective

Part 4 – Neoplatonism and symbolism in art

  • The role of patronage in Renaissance art, the Medici Family, and the Platonic Academy. Botticelli, symbolism, and storytelling through painting;

  • Late Renaissance in Florence: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raffaello

Part 5 – Mannerism

  • Introduction to Mannerism with an introduction to the Bargello Museum and Loggia dei Lanzi

Part 6 – Course closure and cultural activities

  • Course evaluation: summary of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion

Good luck for all your future endeavors.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Art history from renaissance to the 20th century
  • Precursors to renaissance
  • Florence during middle ages & shift to naturalism
  • Neoplatonism, symbolism in art & mannerism
  • The rediscovery of perspective

Syllabus

Course introduction & Precursors to Renaissance art
Introduction
Course Structure
Precursors to Renaissance Part 1
Read more
Precursors to Renaissance Part 2
Florence during the Middle Ages and the shift to naturalism
An Introduction
Early Renaissance in Florence and The Art of Sculpture
History of Florence: The Black Death, Boccaccio and The Decameron and Petrarch
Shift to Naturalism; Cimabue, Giotto, etc.
Rediscovery of Perspective & Neoplatonism
Fillipo Brunelleschi and Leon Battista Alberti
Pre-Renaissance Perspective
Two Point Perspective
Mannerism & Symbolism in Art
Origin & Development of Mannerism
Late Renaissance in Florence - Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo & Rafaello
Mannerism Characteristics, Mannerist Painters & It's Decline
Suggested Readings and Course Closure

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the shift to naturalism, which provides a lens for understanding the evolution of artistic expression during the Renaissance
Examines the rediscovery of perspective, which is a foundational concept for artists and designers seeking to create realistic and immersive visuals
Discusses the role of patronage, particularly the Medici family, which is essential for understanding the economic and social context of Renaissance art
Includes suggested readings, which may require learners to source materials from libraries or purchase them independently

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Art History from Renaissance to the 20th Century with these activities:
Review Roman Art and Architecture
Reviewing Roman art and architecture will provide a solid foundation for understanding the precursors to Renaissance art discussed in the course.
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  • Review key architectural features like arches and domes.
  • Study famous Roman sculptures and their characteristics.
  • Research the historical context of Roman art production.
Review 'Gardner's Art through the Ages'
Reading 'Gardner's Art through the Ages' will provide a broad overview of art history, contextualizing the Renaissance within a larger historical narrative.
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  • Read the sections on Romanesque and Gothic art.
  • Focus on the chapters covering the Early Renaissance.
  • Take notes on key artists and their major works.
Create a Timeline of Renaissance Art
Creating a timeline will help you visualize the progression of Renaissance art and understand the relationships between different artists and movements.
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  • Research key events and artists of the Renaissance.
  • Organize the information chronologically.
  • Include images of representative artworks.
  • Add brief descriptions of each entry.
Four other activities
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Discuss Renaissance Art with Peers
Discussing Renaissance art with peers will allow you to share insights, clarify concepts, and deepen your understanding of the material.
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  • Organize a study group with classmates.
  • Prepare discussion questions in advance.
  • Share your notes and insights on key artists.
  • Discuss the historical context of the Renaissance.
Review 'The Lives of the Artists' by Giorgio Vasari
Reading Vasari's 'Lives of the Artists' will provide firsthand accounts of the lives and works of key Renaissance figures.
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  • Read the biographies of Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
  • Take notes on Vasari's descriptions of their techniques.
  • Consider the historical context of Vasari's writing.
Research and Present on a Renaissance Patron
Researching a Renaissance patron will deepen your understanding of the role of patronage in art production and the social context of the period.
Show steps
  • Choose a Renaissance patron, such as the Medici family.
  • Research their life, wealth, and influence.
  • Identify the artists they supported and the artworks they commissioned.
  • Prepare a presentation summarizing your findings.
Create a Virtual Museum Exhibit
Creating a virtual museum exhibit will allow you to curate a collection of Renaissance artworks and present them in a cohesive and engaging way.
Show steps
  • Select a theme for your exhibit.
  • Choose artworks that fit your theme.
  • Write descriptive labels for each artwork.
  • Design the layout of your virtual exhibit.
  • Present your exhibit to classmates.

Career center

Learners who complete Art History from Renaissance to the 20th Century will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Art historian
An art historian studies art in its historical context. They research and write about art, its movements, and its cultural significance. This course, which provides a broad overview of art history from the Renaissance to the 20th century, will be extremely beneficial to an aspiring art historian. The course explores the development of artistic techniques, such as perspective and chiaroscuro, and introduces key figures like Michelangelo and Raffaello. An art historian would benefit from the comprehensive background in art movements and their evolution, and should take this course due to its depth of information about relevant periods.
Art Curator
An art curator is responsible for the acquisition, care, and display of artworks in museums or galleries. This role requires a deep understanding of art history and its cultural contexts. This course, which covers a wide range of topics from the precursors to renaissance art to mannerism, and including figures like Donatello, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, and Leonardo Da Vinci, builds a strong foundation for an art curator. The course also includes information on patronage, such as the Medici family, which is vital for understanding the historical context of art. An aspiring art curator should take this course because it prepares them to interpret and present art to the public in a meaningful way.
Museum Educator
A museum educator develops and delivers educational programs that promote understanding and appreciation of art. This role requires a solid grasp of art history, which this course provides, along with the ability to explain complex concepts in an engaging way. The course examines various art movements, such as naturalism, and artistic techniques, such as one and two point perspective. A museum educator would find this knowledge valuable, which is why they should take this course. The course can also provide an understanding of how to connect historical art to contemporary audiences.
Gallery Director
A gallery director manages the daily operations of an art gallery. They work with artists, curators, and clients to promote and sell art. This role requires a good understanding of art history, as well as of specific periods and artists. This course, which explores the Renaissance and its aftermath, including discussion of artists such as Botticelli, helps build the necessary background. The course's examination of art movements, such as Mannerism, also would be directly applicable to the work of a gallery director. This course is highly recommended to anyone interested in this field.
Art Appraiser
An art appraiser assesses the monetary value of artworks, using knowledge of art history and market trends. This role needs a thorough understanding of art periods and movements, such as those covered in this course. The course explores the shift to naturalism, the rediscovery of perspective, and the development of symbolism in art. An art appraiser would find that this course helps them understand the value of artworks because it explains their historical contexts, and should take it for that reason. The course's focus on specific artists and their techniques is particularly relevant to this role.
Art Consultant
An art consultant advises clients on purchasing and collecting art. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of art history and the art market, including the knowledge of different styles and periods. This course, which explores art from the Renaissance to the 20th Century, provides a valuable overview of the art movements, which assists the consultant in making informed decisions. The course’s exploration of artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raffaello, is helpful as well. An art consultant should take this course to establish the art historical foundation needed for success in the role.
Exhibition Designer
An exhibition designer plans and organizes art exhibitions in galleries or museums. They create a visually compelling environment that showcases the artworks in their historical and cultural contexts, and also aims to educate the public. This course, which explores art history from the Renaissance to the 20th century, including the study of various artistic techniques and movements, helps build the knowledge required for this position. This knowledge will help create experiences that both educate and engage the audience. This course is useful for an aspiring exhibition designer wanting to understand the art that they will display.
Art Conservationist
An art conservationist preserves and restores artworks. This role requires a keen understanding of the materials, techniques, and historical contexts of art. This course, which covers topics from precursors to Renaissance art to mannerism, provides essential historical knowledge that is helpful to an aspiring art conservationist. The exploration of specific artists, such as Donatello, Brunelleschi and Ghiberti, along with their techniques would be highly relevant for the conservationist to know. The course may be useful by helping to build a strong foundation for analyzing and conserving art.
Art Critic
An art critic analyzes and evaluates art pieces, providing commentary for publications or media outlets. This role requires an in-depth understanding of various art movements, such as those discussed in this course, and the ability to articulate opinions about artwork. The course explores the development of artistic techniques in painting and sculpture, and provides knowledge of important historical context which would be useful. This course may be useful for an aspiring art critic because it establishes a good historical background of art.
Archival Researcher
An archival researcher is a professional who studies historical records, often related to art, for research purposes. This role requires attention to detail and broad knowledge of historical context and artistic movements. This course, which provides a broad introduction to art historical periods, including the precursors to Renaissance art, is an important starting point for an archival researcher. The course also discusses the historical context of art, such as Florentine history and the role of patronage, which is helpful in the job of an archival researcher. This course may be useful for establishing a good foundation.
Cultural Heritage Manager
A cultural heritage manager oversees the preservation and management of historical and cultural sites, including art collections. This role requires both an in-depth knowledge of art history and cultural context. This course, which ranges from the precursors to Renaissance art through the 20th century, may be useful to the cultural heritage manager by providing insight into the historical contexts of art. The discussions of Florence and the role of patronage through the Medici Family are also germane to the position. A cultural heritage manager may find this course useful in building relevant expertise.
Art Educator
An art educator teaches art to students of all ages. While this role requires an understanding of technique, it also requires an understanding of art history and context. This course, which ranges from the precursors to Renaissance art to mannerism, can be useful to the educator, because it helps with their historical knowledge. The course’s discussion of techniques in sculpture and painting will also be valuable. An art educator may find this course useful because it provides a solid introduction to the history of art.
Arts Administrator
An arts administrator manages the business and operational aspects of art organizations. This role requires an understanding of all aspects of art and its contexts, although this is not the primary function. This course, while primarily focused on art history, explores the development of artistic techniques such as perspective. This course may be helpful for an arts administrator because it builds knowledge of art movements, and the cultural contexts in which they were created, and therefore may be helpful for an arts administrator. It is recommended that those in this role take courses that directly address business and operations.
Set Designer
A set designer creates the visual environment for theatre, film, or television productions, often taking into account the period in which a play is set. This course, which goes over the history of art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, can help the set designer develop an understanding of the visual details of a particular time period. A set designer may find this course useful for informing their visual choices, which should enhance their designs. The course covers a deep history between the Renaissance and the 20th Century and their associated artistic styles.
Illustrator
An illustrator creates artwork for various media such as books, magazines, and advertisements. While this role focuses on current techniques, it could be useful to examine the historical techniques of master artists, as done in this course. This course, which provides an overview of art history, may be helpful to an illustrator as it looks over the techniques of masters such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. An illustrator may find this course useful for understanding the history of illustration, and developing an understanding of the techniques of master artists.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Art History from Renaissance to the 20th Century.
Comprehensive survey of art history, covering a wide range of periods and styles. It provides essential background knowledge for understanding the Renaissance and its historical context. It is commonly used as a textbook in art history courses and valuable reference tool for students.

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