DAWN
of the
RENAISSANCE
Dawnsprog.15.11.19.HoA.2 Rev.1 16.05.25
JANUARY, APRIL, SEPTEMBER 2017
This course covers the dramatic awakening of Italian art during the
14th century, particularly in the vibrant, in-dependent city republics
of Florence and Siena. Against a backdrop of rapid economic
growth, turbulent political change, famine and war, artists such as
Cimabue, Giotto, Arnolfo di Cambio, Andrea Pisano, Orcagna,
Duccio, Simone Martini and Ambrogio Lorenzetti skilfully catered
to new contemporary religious, cultural and political aspirations,
forging a new style drawn from both classical antiquity as well as
northern European Gothic. Their pioneering work throughout
Italy marks the start of the dominant figurative tradition in Western
European art and architecture that reigned until the late 19th
century.
For more information contact the History of Art Department at:
[email protected] / +39 05526778268
The British Institute of Florence
Lungarno Guicciardini 9, Firenze 50125, Italia
www.britishinstitute.it
€ 750
Sample Programme*
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WEEK I
Dawn of the Renaissance
WEEK II
January, April, September 2017
WEEK III
WEEK IV
Monday
3:00 – 4:30 pm
Monday
3:00 – 4:30 pm
Monday
3:00 – 4:30 pm
Monday
3:00 – 4:30 pm
Lecture:
When, Where and How did the
Renaissance begin?
Lecture:
Techniques and Materials Part I –
Tempera and Fresco
Visit:
The church of Orsanmichele
Lecture:
Florentine government and society
from the Black Death to the Ciompi
Rebellion
Tuesday
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Tuesday
3:00 – 4:30 pm
Tuesday
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Tuesday
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Visit:
The Baptistery of San Giovanni
Visit:
Guelf and Ghibelline Historical Walk
Lecture:
Symbols and Symbolism in Gothic Art
Lecture:
The Opera di Santa Croce Today
Wednesday
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Wednesday
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Wednesday
3:00 – 4:30 pm
Wednesday
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Lecture:
Trecento Literature: Dante, Petrarca,
Boccaccio
Lecture:
Techniques and Materials Part II –
Bronze and Marble
Workshop:
Art Conservation: The Case of Giotto’s
Ognissanti Crucifix
Lecture:
Art, Politics and Pestilence in Siena’s
Golden Age
Thursday
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Thursday
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Thursday
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Thursday
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Lecture:
Cimabue, Giotto and the Birth of
Modern Painting
Visit:
The church of Santa Maria Novella
Lecture:
Popular Religion in Late Medieval
Florence
Visit:
The church of Santa Croce
Friday
3:00 – 4:30 pm
Saturday
10:00 – 11:30 am
Friday
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Friday
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Visit:
The church of San Miniato al Monte
Visit:
Palazzo Davanzati
Lecture:
Domus Dei: Building the Gothic
Cathedral
Lecture:
Guido Riccio di Fogliano: A
Consideration of Attribution and
Authenticity
* This is a sample programme reflecting lectures and visits regularly featured on this course. The final programme will be distributed to students at the first meeting.
Our courses focus on Italian Renaissance art, with an emphasis on the city of Florence.
Artists are never examined in isolation but are firmly placed in their social, political, religious and historical context. As well
as learning to identify specific styles, subjects and symbols, emphasis is given to the techniques and materials of Renaissance
art.
Each course comprises a combination of interactive, illustrated lectures, as well as visits to key sites led by members of the
History of Art Teaching Team, and professional workshops in which students meet specialists in the various fields of artistic
and cultural preservation. Sessions are held on weekday afternoons, with the occasional Saturday session to accommodate
limited opening times at specific sites. Sessions normally last 90 minutes, with lectures being held in the Harold Acton Library,
visits beginning directly on site at designated meeting points, and technical art history workshops alternating between the
Library and professional work sites in Florence.
Our lecturers offer a spectrum of expertise and individual approaches to teaching, ensuring that all course meetings are
informal, relaxed, engaging and participatory. Our courses are accessible to those coming to the subject with no previous
background in History of Art, but are at the same time pitched at a level that will engage all those who are already familiar
with the subject.
Dawnsprog.15.11.19.HoA.2 Rev.1 16.05.25
It is possible to take the courses by week or even by session, and all month-long courses may be combined with an Italian
Language course of any level.
What are the most valuable characteristics of our courses?
o
Being able to gain an understanding of the historical and
literary events/works of the period to place the art in context;
visits to Churches, giving practical application of knowledge;
technical lectures on sculpture and painting techniques useful,
and restoration; A great balance of techniques, tours/visits,
history, literature as well as the paintings themselves.
H.C. – England
What are the most valuable characteristics of our lecturers?
Dawnsprog.15.11.19.HoA.2 Rev.1 16.05.25
o
Their knowledge of their subject; their enthusiasm; their
willingness to share their knowledge and experience; they truly
care about us AND OUR experience.
M.T. – United States