98799 - Renaissance Art (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the students will: know thoroughly how artistic Renaissance ideals emerged in Florence and circulated in diverse geographical contexts with a variety of peculiar outcomes (15th and 16th centuries); learn to critically analyze works of painting, sculpture, and architecture in connection with broader cultural issues, i.e. the revival of antiquity by humanists and the theoretical debates among scholars and men of letters; improve their own linguistic and communication skills in the field of art history.

Course contents

Andrea Mantegna VS Giovanni Bellini: Two Different Ways of the Renaissance

The aim of the course is to examine the activity of Andrea Mantegna, in particular his early phase in Padua, and at the same time to compare it with that of his brother-in-law Giovanni Bellini.

This in-depth study intends to bring out possible tangencies and above all the profound differences between these two great heroes of the Italian Renaissance.

Readings/Bibliography

Students has to know the chapters of an Art History textbook from the fifteenth to the eighteenth centuries (from Early Renaissance to Raffaello and Tiziano). The following textbooks are recommended:

- La pittura in Italia. Il Quattrocento, 2 voll., a cura di F. Zeri, Milano, Electa, 1989

- S. J. Campbell, M. W. Cole, L’arte del Rinascimento in Italia. Una nuova storia, Torino, Einaudi, 2015

 

On the topics covered in the lessons:

- A. De Nicolò Salmazo, Il soggiorno padovano di Andrea Mantegna, Padova, Editoriale Programma, 1993

- G.A. Calogero, Giovanni Bellini. La lentezza del genio, Cinisello Balsamo, Silvana Editoriale, 2025

 

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

Teaching methods

Lessons including critical readings of text passages and projected images, possible study visits.

Attending lectures is highly recommended.

Who cannot attend classes could consult the readings in the bibliography and didactic material uploaded on the  platform "Virtuale".

Assessment methods

The final exam consists of an oral test. Discussion of textbook (the history of art from late Fifteenth to early Nineteenth century); one text chosen by the student among the optional essays, and the bibliography relating to the monographical part.

In particular:

1. Those students who show developed analytical skills of selected readings and their correct contextualization within a complete vision of the issues discussed during lectures will be given a mark of excellence. Mastering of field-specific language and good expression during the examination will also be required (A =28-30 con lode).

2. Those students who show mnemonic knowledge of the subject and a superficial analysis of selected readings, as well as a correct but not always appropriate mastering of the field-specific language will be given a satisfactory mark (B = 25-27 and C = 23-24).

3. Those students who will show vague knowledge and superficial understanding of selected readings, limited analytical skills and a not always appropriate expression will be given a ‘pass’ mark roughly (D = 18-22).

4. Those students who show gaps in their knowledge and lack of familiarity with selected readings will not be given a ‘pass’ mark (E).

The assessment procedure is the same for students who attend or do not attend lectures.

 

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Text passages provided to attending students, power point presentations.

Office hours

See the website of Giacomo Alberto Calogero