C7560 - IL CORPO UMANO E GLI SPAZI DELLO SPORT E DEL BENESSERE

Learning outcomes

The course explores the evolution of the representation of the human body in art, with particular focus on the “sporting” body as an aesthetic ideal and a symbol of well-being. Through a historical-critical analysis, it examines the relationship between visual culture, sport, and body perception. At the same time, it investigates the spaces of sport and wellness, from ancient stadiums to modern wellness centers and contemporary sports facilities, highlighting how art and architecture have contributed to the creation of spaces dedicated to sport and psycho-physical health.

Course contents

The Body in Service of Beauty in Ancient Greece: "Balance, Proportions, Rhythm, Harmony, Symmetry"

Artists and Anatomy between the 15th and 16th Centuries: From Experience to Representation

Leonardo’s Anatomical Studies: The Vitruvian Man

The Representation of the Body and Buildings in the 16th Century

Spaces Dedicated to Well-being: From Ancient Thermal Complexes to Private Bathhouses in the Renaissance

Architecture for Sport from Antiquity to the Contemporary Era: Stadiums, Gymnasiums, Sports Halls, and Amphitheaters

Readings/Bibliography

In addition to the lecture notes:

La rappresentazione dello sport (F. Petrocchi, Sport e letteratura, M. Bussagli, Sport e arte, C. Bisoni, Lo sport nel cinema e nella fiction televisiva, P.F. Frillici, Lo sport e la fotografia, L. Sacchi, Gli ambienti dello sport, F. Del Sordo, Sport e musica, O. Saillard, Sport e moda], in "Enciclopedia dello sport", Roma, Istituto della Enciclopedia Italiana, 2003, pp. 350-483 (available on Virtuale).

 

For those who wish to explore the subject further, the following texts are recommended:

Quando gli dei si spogliano. Il bagno di Clemente VII a Castel Sant'Angelo e le altre stufe romane del Primo Cinquecento, Roma, 1984;

A. Carlino, La fabbrica del corpo. Libri e dissezioni nel Rinascimento, Torino, 1994;

N. Laneyrie-Dagen, L'invention du corps, Paris, 1997;

Le terme di Diocleziano, Milano, 2002;

Rappresentare il corpo. Arte e anatomia da Leonardo all'Illuminismo, catalogo della mostra, a cura di G. Olmi, Bologna, 2004;

B.A. Rifkin, Human anatomy: depicting the body from Renaissance to today, London 2006;

La bella anatomia. Il disegno del corpo fra arte e scienza nel Rinascimento, a cura di A. Carlino, R.P. Ciardi, A. Petrioli Tofani, Milano, 2009;

Corpi moderni. La costruzione del corpo nella Venezia del Rinascimento, catalogo della mostra, a cura di G. Beltramini, F. Borgo, G. Manieri Elia, Venezia, 2025.

Teaching methods

Lectures supported by various audiovisual aids (image projections and digital videos) and, when possible, visits to exhibitions and museums. Additional materials and suggestions for further study will be uploaded to Virtuale.

Assessment methods

1. 30L/28, the highest range of grade, is given when the student shows to be able to deeply, critically and creatively analyze the texts and the images and to put them in the broader context. Special attention is given to the articulation with which the student presents and delivers his ideas during the interview.

2. 24/27 is the range of grade given to the student that shows only a mnemonic knowledge of the material and delivers his interview with a fairly proper language at times inappropriate.

3. 18/23 is the range of grade that reflects a sufficient or superficial knowledge and critical understanding of the material.

4. Lower than 18: Lacunae

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Pdf texts and images of the illustrations showed in class. Additional bibliography when needed.

Office hours

See the website of Valeria Rubbi