Italian High Renaissance Art

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

An extension of the study of Italian art and architecture in the Renaissance through the second half of the 15th century into the first three decades of the 16th. The works of Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pollaiuolo and others will be studied, along with works by those whose innovations initiated the High Renaissance style: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Bramante and Raphael. Numerous on-site visits in Rome are included, as well as a required trip to Florence. Rome, Italy (RE): Michelangelo was one of the most famous and influential artists in his own time and has continued to be ever since. This seems reason enough to examine his work in detail as it forms an essential facet for understanding not only Italian Renaissance art but art in general, as many of the issues involved in trying to comprehend his imagery are applicable throughout art history. The course will have a global monographic approach, meaning that the artists entire output will be discussed and analyzed from an array of historical, thematic and methodological points of view. The aim is to arrive at an understanding of Michelangelos visual thinking and communicative processes and their development and influence.