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

Learning outcomes

At the end of the workshop, students can find and organise complex information in a coherent form; they are able to apply methodologies of critical analysis in the field of visual arts;they can use  sources effectively to carry out research in the different areas of the visual arts. 

Course contents

This workshop will consider the exhibitions of early modern art (approximately from the 15th to the 18th century) taking, simultaneously, two different approaches. With the first approach, exhibitions will be considered as the object of historical research, with the second as the object of critical analysis.

Taking the first approach, the workshop will focus on exhibitions of Italian early modern art during the 20th century conceived as events generating new research, prompting conservation of cultural heritage, triggering architectural experimentation, or channelling political propaganda; but especially as turning points in the rediscovery of overlooked topics and artists in the history of early modern art.

Taking the second approach, students will be provided with a method for the analysis of exhibitions. Guided by the professor, students will be asked to consider a series of recent case-studies. In this way, students will be given the chance to look critically at exhibitions, focusing on different aspects, such as the selection of works of arts included in the show, the efficacy of its overall structure, wall-texts, design, etc.

 

This workshop is open to a maximum of 25 students. Students interested in this workshop are invited to get in touch with the professor. 

 

Readings/Bibliography

The following texts provide an introduction to some of the topics of the course. Reading at least one of these texts is highly recommended.

 

• G. Agosti, Un amore di Giovanni Bellini, Milano, Officina Libraria, 2009.
• P. Aiello, Caravaggio 1951, Milano, Officina Libraria, 2018.
• L. Carletti, C. Giometti, Raffaello on the road. Rinascimento e propaganda fascista in America (1938-1940), Roma, Carocci, 2016.
• A. C. Cimoli, Musei effimeri: allestimenti di mostre in Italia, 1949-1963, Milano, Il saggiatore, 2007.
• P. Falguières, L’arte della mostra. Per un’altra genealogia del white cube, in Ph. Duboÿ, Carlo Scarpa. L’arte di esporre, Milano, Johan & Levi, 2016, pp. 15-52.
• F. Haskell, Botticelli, Fascism and Burlington House. The ‘Italian Exhibition’ of 1930, in «The Burlington Magazine», 141, 1999, pp. 462-472.
• F. Haskell, La nascita delle mostre. I dipinti degli antichi maestri e l’origine delle esposizioni d’arte, Milano, Skira, 2008 (The Ephemeral Museum. Old Master Paintings and the Rise of the Art Exhibition, New Haven et al., Yale University Press, 2000).
• R. Longhi, Editoriale. Mostre e musei (un avvertimento del 1959), in Id., Critica d'arte e buongoverno, Sansoni, Firenze 1985, pp. 59-74.
• T. Montanari, V. Trione, Contro le mostre, Torino, Einaudi, 2017.

Teaching methods

Image and text slides.

Assessment methods

There is no exam at the end of this workshop. However, students are required to attend at least 80 % of class hours.

Teaching tools

Slides will be available to students. 

Office hours

See the website of Marcello Calogero