La Grande Odalisque by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, 1814
Over the centuries, major themes in art continue to appear and reappear. Portraiture, landscapes, and scenes of everyday life are a few notable examples of areas that artists have interpreted in styles ranging from the naturalistic to the surreal. Art historian Joseph Cassar examines important masterworks within selected genres and offers a new way to understand and appreciate their similarities, as well as the uniqueness of the artists and the cultural norms that influenced them.
October 9 Portraits
Explore idealized, realistic, and psychological portraits, including works by Van Eyck, Rembrandt, Da Vinci, Picasso, Francis Bacon, and Chuck Close.
October 16 Landscapes
Landscapes capture artists’ unique interpretations of what the world looks like from a particular point in time. Survey landscapes, installations, and environmental art including works by John Frederick Kensett, Turner, Monet, Ansel Adams, Andy Goldsworthy, and Christo.
October 23 Religious Images
An overview of sacred figures and scenes portraying the Christian faith, including works by Giotto, Fra Angelico, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Rouault, and Emil Nolde.
October 30 The Figure
The human figure is one of the most intimate themes in art history. Explore works by Ingres, Delacroix, Renoir, Duchamp, William De Kooning, and Lucian Freud.
4 sessions
World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit*
General Information
*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1 core course credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.
