90612 - Medieval Art in Europe (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of the European figurative system (painting, sculpture and architecture) from the 5th to the 14th century. Particular emphasis will also be given to the study of liturgical space in different geographical contexts. The course will also focus on the context of the artworks with particular attention to politics, patronage and religious phenomena.

Course contents

COURTLY STYLE: THE FRENCH ILLUMINATION DURING THE TIME OF LOUIS IX

The Exam Hystory of Art A is composed of two courses: Forms and Functions of Medieval Art (prof. Benati) and Art in Europe in the Middle Age (prof. Massaccesi). Modern Art A is an integrated examination of 12 CFU (6 CFU+6 CFU) for which the verification and evaluation of the preparation follow the procedures laid down for an integrated examination, i.e. they must be taken in the same examination session and the students must therefore register simultaneously for both examinations.

The course investigates the French miniature in its thematic peculiarities during the reign of Louis IX (1214-1270). For this reason the course is divided into two parts.

The first part (I) will focus on the historical-artistic study of 13th-century France and the characteristics of the French miniature of that period, with particular attention to the decoration of the Bible.The second part (II) will focus on the Atelier Soissons in relation to the moralized Bible of Toledo, with particular attention to the French Bible preserved in the University Library of Bologna.

Readings/Bibliography

students who will attend classes must study:

Students will have to study, in addition to the personal notes of the lessons, the following texts: Robert Branner, The Soissons Bible paintershop in Thirteenth Century Paris, in Speculum, vol 44, 1969, pp. 13-34; Robert Branner, Manuscript Painting in Paris during the reign of Saint Louis. A study of Style, University of California Press 1977, pp. 1-21; 66-78; Christopher De Hamel, The Book. A Hisotry of the Bible, London 2001, pp. 115-139; Alison Stones, A Survey Manuscripts illuminated in France.Gothic Manuscript 1260-1320, Volume One. Text and Illustrations, 2014, pp. 17-37; Patricia Stirnemann, Lo studio della Bibbia e la Bibbia portatile nei secoli XII e XIII, in Bibbia immagini e scrittura nella Biblioteca Apostolica vaticana, edited by M. Piazzoni, Francesca Manzari, Milan 2017, pp. 304-337; Margaret Alison Stones, Bibbie in Francia tra XIII e XIV secolo, in Bibbia immagini e scrittura nella Biblioteca Apostolica vaticana, edited by Ambrogio M. Piazzoni, Francesca Manzari, Milan 2017, pp. 194-211.

students who will not attend classes:

Students will have to study the following texts:Alessio Monciatti, I decenni centrali per l’Europa gotica, in: L’arte del Duecento, Torino 2013, 102-143 (and related entries);Margaret Alison Stones, Bibbie in Francia tra XIII e XIV secolo, in Bibbia immagini e scrittura nella Biblioteca Apostolica vaticana, edited by Ambrogio M. Piazzoni, Francesca Manzari, Milan 2017, pp. 194-211Patricia Stirnemann, Lo studio della Bibbia e la Bibbia portatile nei secoli XII e XIII, in Bibbia immagini e scrittura nella Biblioteca Apostolica vaticana, edited by Ambrogio M. Piazzoni, Francesca Manzari, Milan 2017, pp. 304-337.

They will also have to study one of their choice from the list:Robert Branner, The Soissons Bible paintershop in Thirteenth Century Paris, in Speculum, vol 44, 1969, pp. 13-34; Robert Branner, Manuscript Painting in Paris during the reign of Saint Louis. A study of Style, University of California Press 1977, pp. 1-21; 66-78; Christopher De Hamel, The Book. A Hisotry of the Bible, London 2001, pp. 115-139; Alison Stones, A Survey Manuscripts illuminated in France.Gothic Manuscript 1260-1320, Volume One. Text and Illustrations, 2014, pp. 17-37; Frans van Liere, An introduction to the Medieval Bible, Cambridge 2014

Teaching methods

Lectures. We will also try to organize outdoor visits.

Assessment methods

Oral examination, with three questions on points I and II of the program.

For attending students, the question will be based on specific questions on the topics about issues discussed during the lessons and on the bibliography. For non-attending students, the question will be based on specific questions on the topics analyzed in the mentioned bibliography.

Teaching tools

Powerpoints and Omeka.

Office hours

See the website of Fabio Massaccesi