Art History Classes

Wed, Jun 4, 11, 18, 25, Jul 9, 16, 2–3 pm (6 sessions) | Reynolds Lecture Hall
Dr. Donald Schrader, Adjunct Professor of Art History, University of Mary Washington

The embellishment of the city of Rome for the jubilee year of 1600 was only the start; artists came to the Holy City from all over Italy, and from all of Europe, for opportunities to learn and create in a time when visual art of every kind was in greatest demand. This six-part course explores the lives and works of some of the most significant and influential artists in the Western world: the intensity and realism brought to painting by Caravaggio, from Lombardy; the learned elegance of the Carracci, his rivals from Bologna; and the stunning drama in the almost miraculous sculptures of 
Bernini, whose family came to Rome from Naples. The class will also examine the remarkable contributions of artists from France, Spain, and the Netherlands, many of whom brought the lessons of Rome back to their home countries, and of whom enjoyed lifelong careers in la città eterna.

$95 (VMFA members $80)

Tues, Jun 3, 10, 17, 24, 2–3 pm (4 sessions) | Conference Room 1 and Galleries
Dr. Susan Glasser, Independant Art Historian

We tend to think of museum visits as visual experiences. What is less acknowledged or discussed are the ways artists engage our other senses: evoking the feel of a satin’s sheen, amplifying a natural sound, accentuating a fragrant smell or delectable taste. This four-part course examines 
art from around the world to explore how artists explicitly and implicitly incorporate touch, smell, taste, and sound into their work. Participants might be surprised to learn how contemplating art beyond our sense of sight can lead to a richer appreciation of VMFA’s impressive holdings.

$80 (VMFA members $65)