Florence and Venice were both rich, confident, and magnificently beautiful cities—powerhouses of Renaissance creativity. Yet they were vastly different in their character and artistic, intellectual, and political aspirations. Art historian Nigel McGilchrist explores the tale of these two cities and the artists they nurtured, in particular the contrasting geniuses of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Titian. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1 credit)
Winner of four Pulitzer Prizes, Robert Frost was a groundbreaking artist and cultural icon, a rural sage who became America’s “national poet.” His poetry suggested how small encounters between the individual and the natural world could often serve as metaphors for the larger themes of the human condition. Author Daniel Stashower delves into Frost's life and legacy and actor Scott Sedar brings the poet's words to life with readings from his most celebrated works.
From World War II through the Cold War, Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower maintained a friendship unlike any other in history, an alliance and camaraderie that defeated Nazism and kept communism at bay. Although occasionally testy, their connection remained close until Churchill’s death. Historian Mitchell Yockelson discusses the personal story of these heads of state and their lasting influence on the world.
A deep connection between literature and visual art characterized the Renaissance, with the written word significantly shaping painting and sculpture. Epic poems, classical texts, humanist treatises, and folk stories provided the period’s artists with themes, narratives, and philosophical foundations. Art historian Elaine Ruffolo delves into these literary sources and uncovers the intricate connections between text and image. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)
Early in 1947, hundreds of contiguous acres of Long Island, New York, were operating as potato farms. Before the end of that year, 350 new homes occupied part of the site. Four years later, Levittown was complete, with more than 17,000 homes, paved streets, schools, and shops. Bill Keene, lecturer in urban studies and architecture, explores how developers such as the Levitts and other visionaries pioneered the creation of large-scale suburbs as he delves into this transformation.
Henry James’ The Portrait of a Lady from 1880–81 is considered one of the greatest works in American literature, though its American-born author, Henry James, lived for long stretches in Europe, particularly England. Joseph Luzzi, professor of literature at Bard College, examines James’ gorgeous use of language, his profound understanding of human psychology, and his keen insights into differences in national and cultural traditions.
Discover how visual art can inspire creative writing and how writing can offer a powerful way to experience art. Join Mary Hall Surface, the founding instructor of the National Gallery of Art’s popular Writing Salon, for five online workshops that explore essential elements of writing and styles through close looking, word-sketching, and imaginative response to prompts. This writing session is inspired by 20th-century artist Edward Hopper’s People in the Sun.