96400 - Phenomenology of Medieval and Early Modern Art. Fundamentals (1) (A-L)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the student: is aware of how much medieval and early-modern art is crucial to fully understand our present; is exposed to major trends of Medieval and Renaissance art practices; understands the relation between artistic styles and contemporary ideologies and technical skills within the cultural, political and social context.

Course contents

This course is intended as a methodological introduction to the study of medieval and early modern European art. Selected topics in this framework will be analysed to illustrate a wide range of methodological approaches, including the analysis of style, technique and conservation; the history of patronage and collecting; the analysis of literary and archival sources. Case studies – dating from the 14th to the 17th century – will be selected to be representative of major turning points in the history of painting, sculpture and the decorative arts in this period. The analysis of these case studies will include recent major discoveries or exhibitions which influenced academic research, curatorial activity and the art market.

Readings/Bibliography

1. Class notes.

2. A. Pinelli, La storia dell’arte: istruzioni per l’uso, Bari, Laterza, 2009.

For students unable to attend classes, the following text is strongly recommended: S. Settis, T. Montanari, Arte. Una storia naturale e civile, Milano, Mondadori Education: vol. 3, Dal Quattrocento alla Controriforma; vol. 4, Dal Barocco all’Impressionismo, sezioni I, II, III, IV, V.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities should get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ) and with the lecturer in order to decide together the most effective strategies for following lessons and/or preparing for the exam.

Teaching methods

Lectures, including text or image slides; possibly an on-site visit.

Assessment methods

Oral examination, based mainly on the analysis of works of art and their meaning within the framework provided by the assigned literature and/or in class.

1. Excellent grades (28-30 cum laude) will be assigned to those demonstrating: complete command of the literature and of the topics considered in class; substantial knowledge of the works of art under exam and the ability to analyse them in relation to the topics of the course; the ability to present arguments neatly and using the correct language, especially in relation to material data, geography and artistic typologies.
2. Good (25-27) to average (23-24) grades wil be assigned to those demonstrating: only partial command of the literature; only partial knowledge of the works of art under exam, but a good ability to analyse them in relation to the topic of the class; the use of a language not always correct in their presentation.
3. Passing grades (18-22) will be assigned to those demonstrating: only superficial knowledge of the literature and of the works of art under exam; the use of a language scarcely correct.
4. Insufficient grades will be assigned to those demonstrating: insufficent knowledge of literature and of the works of art under exam; presenting without attention for order and correct language.

Test and evaluation will be the same for students attending classes and those not attending classes.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities should get in touch with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ) well in advance: the office will propose adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess theri efficacy in relation to the teaching goals.

Teaching tools

Slides will be available for students attending classes.

Office hours

See the website of Marcello Calogero