Latin American Art I

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

The course examines the art of Mesoamerican before the Conquest (ca. 10th century BCE) and up to the period of independence (early 19th century CE). Organized chronologically, the course studies the art of Mesoamerica, early contact between Europeans and Indigenous Americans, the introduction of European art in Latin America, and the innovative transformation of both native and European art as a result of the conquest. By analyzing a variety of materials and topics that include architecture, paintings, sculptures, codices, and prints, the course places particular emphasis on the interaction between native traditions and imported ideas in relationship to religion, race, gender, politics, rituals, and daily life. While considering several important art movements, the course introduces students to the major theoretical issues regarding Latin American art and its interpretation.