In the late 19th century, American artists studied in Paris, embracing Impressionism’s bright palette and broken brushwork. Returning home to exhibit and teach, they formed “The Ten,” exhibiting for 20 years. By 1918, shifting art movements and global events rendered Impressionism outdated. In a four-part series, art historian Bonita Billman explores these artists’ defining style, subjects, and masterpieces that contributed to American art history. (World Art History Certificate core course, 1 credit)
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 a course of three online workshops that explore essential elements of writing and styles through close looking, word-sketching, and imaginative response to prompts. The sessions spotlight a diverse range of visual art chosen to inspire writers of all experience levels to deepen their process and practice. This writing session is inspired by A Sunburst Restrained by María Berrío.
Written nearly 2,000 years ago, Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations remains one of the most profound, practical guides to living with integrity, resilience, and perspective and cultivating one’s self. Philosopher Samir Chopra leads an exploration of this foundational text of Stoicism through a historically embedded reading of passages, with a view to developing a practice of Stoic principles.
Experiment with painting styles such as Cubism, Suprematism, and Abstract Expressionism to learn practical applications of the concepts and techniques of Modernism. Move beyond the basics to discover and develop your unique visual language. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)
Contrary to his public persona as a purported scoundrel Frank Lloyd Wright was entrusted with commissions of more than a dozen churches and spiritual spaces for a wide range of religious groups, including Jewish, Protestant, Greek Orthodox, Unitarian, and other communities. Wright expert Timothy Totten illustrates the architect’s' beliefs about the way worshippers should interact with each other and their faith, as well as the ways he differentiated each space for its specific congregation.
Many of the most beautiful buildings of the last 600 years have been erected in Asia, which is also known for its boldly modern cities. Kathleen James-Chakraborty, a professor of art history and architectural historian at University College Dublin, looks across the continent from Iran to Japan at both historic and contemporary buildings. She also highlights the important contributions that women have made as patrons and designers of innovative architecture. (World Art History Certificate core course, 1 credit)
Located in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, “The First Ladies” exhibition explores the unofficial but important position of first lady. Lisa Kathleen Graddy, curator of the exhibition, brings this historic collection to life. And French-American designer Hervé Pierre, who has designed for four United States first ladies since the 1990s, shares his experiences.
Magna Carta began as a failed 1215 peace treaty between King John and his barons. Over time, it became a symbol of citizens’ rights for America’s Founding Fathers. Thomas J. McSweeney, law professor at William & Mary, traces its evolution and debates: principle vs. self-interest, its rise as fundamental law, and its stance on property versus common rights. He concludes by questioning its effectiveness as a model for guaranteeing rights in a republic.
