27928 - Laboratory (1) (LM) (G.A)

Learning outcomes

at the end of the Lab, students should be able to collect, organize and make sense of all the information acquired in class. It will be also able to use appropriate analytical methods pertaining visual arts as well as to appropriately use primary and secondary sources.

Course contents

This lab deals with the architecture painted in a selection of significant frescoes of the Italian Quattrocento, from Masaccio to Mantegna. Buildings included in these cycles play a new role and compared with Medieval painting they reach a new symbolic and narrative function equal to the characters of the scene they belong. Questions on symbolism, narrative, composition, pictorial space, structure, proportion will be addressed along with a thorough comparison with real contemporary architecture and the way painters took it in consideration and understood it.

The lab is based on a regular and active students’ participation made of weekly group presentations. For this reason attendance is mandatory.

Teaching methods

After two introductory classes on methods of reading and interpreting painted architecture, students will be sorted out in groups to which will be given assignments. 

Every week each group will present on a different cycle of frescos using Powerpoint and discussing with the audience their work.

Assessment methods

Students will be graded according to two different criteria:

1) The quality of their presentation

2) The active participation in class 

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Benelli