Art History

Title of the course: Peter Paul Rubens and Italy Description of the course: The course aims to highlight Rubens' interest in Italian culture and how much the latter was a constant point of reference throughout his life, devoting time during his eight years in Italy to studying ancient art and the great Renaissance masters, as well as examining the works of contemporary artists such as Caravaggio and Baglione. Rubens' deep affinity for Italian civilization provided a rich source of archival, iconographic and stylistic materials that enabled an understanding not only of his painting, but also of the complex diplomatic and personal relationships Rubens developed throughout his life. During his years in Italy, the Antwerp master established crucial career ties with Roman and Genoese collectors, with foreign political figures such as the Richardot family and the governors of Flanders, and with members of religious orders such as the Jesuits, the Philippites, and the Carmelites. Course goals: The course aims to guide students in the understanding of history and art, identifying the main geographical and temporal reference points, providing an in-depth knowledge of the most important artists and the social and cultural dynamics that influenced them, as well as a mastery of the fundamental methodologies of art history. Furthermore, the course aims to encourage in students the ability to independently explore and connect the main themes of the art-historical disciplines, as well as the ability to recognise works of art.

General knowledge of art history between the 15th and 17th centuries.

For attending students: - R. Morselli, C. Paolini (a cura di), Rubens e la cultura italiana, Roma, Viella, 2020. - R. Moselli, Tra Fiandre e Italia: Rubens 1600-1608, Roma, Viella, 2018. For non-attending students: - R. Morselli (a cura di), Rubens a Palazzo Te, Venezia, Marsilio, 2023. During the course, additional teaching materials will be made available to students on Classroom.

Attendance for students on the course is not compulsory, but recommended.

For the purposes of assessment, account will be taken of clarity of exposition, punctuality of argument, precision in answering questions, the ability to make connections and to organise an articulate discourse.

Teaching will be face-to-face, with the aid of audio-visual and Power Point teaching materials; it will be interspersed with seminar meetings and guided tours.