The Story Behind the Italian Renaissance, Block I-II

In this class we will examine the networks of artists, architects, intellectuals, and patrons who shaped the cultural life of Rome between the 15th and 16th century, with particular attention to the figure of Michelangelo. Emphasis will be placed on two sides of “Rinascimento”: one technical, the other theoretical. We will explore how patronage, work organization and technical knowledge transformed the arts, while considering the revival of classical values and their philosophical implications for artists’ vocabularies, ambitions, and for the emerging concept of the artist-genius. — Contact Hours: 45 hours (Semester: 3h/week, 15 weeks. Short course: 7.5h/week, 6 weeks)