Piccolomini Library in Siena Cathedral (Photo: Jeannette Tas)
The most splendid churches of Italy are renowned for their art treasures, from Giotto’s 14th-century frescoes in Florence, Padua, and Assisi to Giaocomo Manzu’s 20th-century bronze doors for St. Peter’s in Rome. Some churches have one great art treasure that makes a pilgrimage a necessity, such as Masaccio’s Brancacci Chapel in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence. Others—such as the Florentine Santa Maria Novella or the Frari in Venice—tell virtually the whole story of the art and culture of their native cities. In a lavishly illustrated seminar, Eric Denker, senior lecturer at the National Gallery of Art, discusses churches of Venice, Rome, Siena, and Florence that represent some of Italy’s most exceptional repositories of ecclesiastical art.
9:30–10:45 a.m. The Basilica of Saint Mark and the Treasures of Venice
Giovanni Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese are just a few of the brightest stars in the galaxy of extraordinary artists who made their mark on Venetian churches, from commanding Gothic structures to often-overlooked houses of worship.
11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. The Duomo and the Riches of Florence
Brunelleschi’s majestic dome rose above some of Western art’s greatest masterpieces, including works by Donatello, Verocchio, and Michelangelo. Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella are treasure troves of works by such Renaissance masters as Giotto, Ghiberti, Masaccio, and Fra Angelico.
12:15–1:30 p.m. Lunch (participants provide their own)
1:30–2:45 p.m. St. Peter’s and Rome’s Papal Churches
Saint Peter’s is just one of Rome’s churches enriched by papal munificence. Special emphasis is given to the works of Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Bernini.
3–4:15 p.m. The Gothic Dream: The Duomo in Siena
Contained within are significant masterpieces by Duccio, Donatello, Ghiberti, Bernini, and Michelangelo. The lesser-known Piccolomini Library itself would be worth a Sienese pilgrimage.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit
