Studies in Art History

MANUELA GIANANDREA

The main objective of the course is to provide a basic knowledge of Medieval Art History.

As regards specific objectives, students are expected to learn:

a) the ability to comprehend Medieval artworks in historic, stylistic, iconographic and technical terms;

b) the ability to describe them with the appropriate vocabulary of the discipline;

c) autonomy of critical judgement.

In order to pursue these targets, during the course students will be asked to take part actively in the analysis of artworks and monuments by employing the basic critical categories necessary to their correct framework. A parallel objective will be also the development of an adequate awareness about artistic heritage and its valorization. The themes and topics of the course, such as the competencies and abilities to learn, are part of the core curriculum of the Study Programme in Art History Sciences.

At the end of the course, the student will have to know the development of the historical-artistic and architectural production of the medieval West, from the 4th to the 14th century, having understood its main historical, critical and historiographical dynamics; furthermore, he/she will have to be able to analyse the work in its historical-cultural and functional context.

Mandatory prerequisites are not required.

This module aims to provide some basic knowledge about Mediaeval Art History from the 4th to the 14th century. The lessons will focus on the historical context, the main historiographical issues and the interactions with the artistic production of central Europe and the Mediterranean:
- 6 hours: Introduction to the Middle Ages and Main Historiographical Questions
- 12 hours: Art of Late Antiquity and Early Medieval Art.
- 12 hours: Romanesque Art.
- 12 hours: Gothic Art.
- If possible, there will be visits to Mediaeval Churches and Sites in Rome

Attending students:

- P. DE VECCHI, E. CERCHIARI, Arte nel tempo. Il Medioevo, Milano, Bompiani, 1991: vol. I, tome I, II part, chapters. 4-5; vol. I, tome II, all chapters.
in alternative
G. CRICCO, F.P. DI TEODORO, Itinerario nell'arte, Dall'arte paleocristiana a Giotto, Zanichelli, yellow version (NO compact or blue version).
(All editions are accepted)

and

- L. CASTELFRANCHI VEGAS, L' arte medioevale in Italia e nell'Occidente europeo, Milano, Jaca Book, 2012
or
A.M. ROMANINI, L'arte medievale in Italia, Firenze, Sansoni, 1996 (out of print but available at Library G.C. Argan).

Non-attending students are advised to read the following volume:
L’arte medievale nel contesto, 300-1300. Funzioni, iconografia, tecniche, ed. by P. Piva, Milano, Jaca Book, 2006: essays F. Gandolfo, A. Cadei, P. Piva, V. Schmidt, A. Iacobini, S. Romano.

The principal objective of the module is to transmit to the students the basic knowledge of medieval art history. To stimulate in the student a first direct contact with the monuments and the artefacts, the course includes guided tours main medieval churches of Rome:
- 84 hours: classroom lessons (if possible, complemented with visits to the medieval church of Rome).

Class attendance is strongly recommended

The acquisition of a basic knowledges of Medieval Art History will be verified through an oral exam, that will consist in an interview with the professor:
- The student will have to answer questions about the development of the history of art in Italy between the fourth and the fourteenth century
- The student will have to know the historical context of realization of the monuments and of the artefacts
- The student will have to recognize photographs of the artefacts in the textbook
- The student must have understood the main historiographical questions

- Commenting on an image
- Present an art-historical period
- Describe the activity of a patron

• 84 ore: lezioni frontali in aula 84 hours: classroom-based lectures 


• Visite guidate alle principali chiese medievali di RomaGuided tours of Rome’s main medieval churches