90604 - History of the Miniature (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will acquire knowledge of the history of miniature, with particular attention to book illustration in medieval and renaissance ages. In particular, students will acquire methodologies and skills to understand and analyse issues concerning the function, patronage and production of miniatured books related to their different uses both in secular and liturgic contexts (hymn books, bibles, prayer books, literary and scientific texts), the relation between text and image, ancient heritage, and the relation between miniatures and contemporary monumental painting.

Course contents

Lessons will be divided in two sections. In the first one (I) we will consider problems of method in history of illumination: birth and devolpment of the subject in Italy, working tools, description of illuminated manuscript, relationship text / image, two-dimensional vs three-dimensional vision, iconographic patterns and their transmission, contracts, technique. In the second one (II) the case study will be “The manuscript, its activation, the space of liturgy”.

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students

I.1.personal notes from the lessons

I.2. O. Pächt, La miniatura medievale, Torino diverse edd.

I.3. J.J.G. Alexander, I miniatori medievali e i loro metodi di lavoro, Modena diverse edd.

You can study these two books in their original editions, or in other translations, if you want.

II.1.personal notes from lessons

II.2. E. Palazzo, L'invenzione cristiana dei cinque sensi nella liturgia e nell'arte del Medioevo, Napoli 2017, pp. 179-200; H.L. Kessler, L'esperienza medievale dell'arte, Roma 2023, chapter Libro, pp. 123-136

Studenti non frequentanti

I.1. O. Pächt, La miniatura medievale, Torino diverse edd.

I.2. J.J.G. Alexander, I miniatori medievali e i loro metodi di lavoro, Modena diverse edd.

II.1. H.L. Kessler, L'esperienza medievale dell'arte, Roma 2023 (the whole book)

You can study these three books in their original editions, or in other translations, if you want.

 

I would like to remember that, as an MA Medieval Art History exam, a deep knowledge of the artistic periods considered in classes is taken for granted (if not, a careful study of an arti history handbook – "manuale" – is requested).

Teaching methods

Lectures.

Assessment methods

Oral examination, with three questions on points I and II of the program. For students who will have attended classes, questions will be based on specific topics about issues and bibliography discussed during lessons, and on stylistic identification, and both formal and iconographic analysis of materials studied in classes. For students who will have not attended classes, the exam will be based on questions connected with subjects and topics included in the above mentioned texts.

Teaching tools

Powerpoints.

Office hours

See the website of Fabrizio Lollini