Were all of Egypt’s kings and queens guided by the divine wisdom and justice that their devoted subjects believed them to possess? Not quite, especially when their reigns were marked by civil wars, a pyramid complex, mass graves of forced laborers, and political sabotage by PR offensive. Egyptologist Jacquelyn Williamson draws from the most recent archaeological evidence to examine four of Egypt’s most influential rulers and the impact of their reigns.
From the glorious vistas of American landscape painting to the bold splashes and strokes of Abstract Expressionism, American artists have captured the nation’s enormous energy and tumultuous growth. Art historian Bonita Billman introduces major artists and movements in American painting from the late 18th century to the present, revealing the connection between historical changes and artistic choices. (World Art History Certificate core course, 1 credit)
The Academy Awards will be announced on March 2. Get ready by joining Washington City Paper film critic Noah Gittell for an evening that focuses on all things Oscar, from Academy Awards history and trivia to discussions of this year’s nominations and behind-the-scenes stories. He also sorts through all the story lines, rumors, and gossip.
As part of the most visible household in the nation, china used in the White House offers a comprehensive overview of the changing styles, tastes, and modes of entertaining across almost 250 years of American history. Philadelphia Museum of Art curator David Barquist explores the history of the porcelain tableware chosen by American presidents and their families for public and private dining. He also looks at the changes over time in the ceramics available to Americans. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)
The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, completed in the 14th century in Florence, is the city’s principal Dominican church. Located next to the main railway station, the church, cloisters, and chapter house contain works by some of Italy’s most notable Gothic and early Renaissance artists, including Brunelleschi, Giotto, and Ghiberti. Italian Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero highlights this lesser-known church and museum and its treasures. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)
Over the past five decades, artists have explored an enormous range of new materials, techniques, and styles. That pluralistic experimentation encompassed forms from Pop, conceptual, and super-realist works to environmental and performance art, all of which still resonate today. Art historian Nancy G. Heller looks at the roots and later influences of radical American art. (World Art History Certificate core course, 1 credit)
Over the past 2,000 years, Samarkand—located in what is now Uzbekistan—has absorbed the wealth and labors of Sogdian merchants, Manichean priests, Islamic astronomers, Mongol khans, Timurid emperors, Russian czars, and Soviet officials, all of whom attempted to use the city as a base from which to conquer Central Asia. Historian Justin M. Jacobs analyzes the cultural achievements of each of these historical groups.
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 the self portrait of 19th-century French artist Suzanne Valadon.
