Iconography and iconology: secrets of the old masters revealed

Ever wondered whether there’s a hidden meaning behind paintings, in this course we’ll discover why signs and symbols are in paintings, and reveal how to find and interpret their meanings in paintings from medieval to Baroque and beyond.

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Key course information

Dates
12/01/12 - 26/01/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
3 weeks

Time
18:00 - 19:30

Fees
Full fee: £42
Senior fee: £42
Concession: £28

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VB129

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

What do all the strange signs and symbols in the paintings mean, and what is this fascination with Greek mythology all about? If it all seems impenetrable to you, and you like to find out what paintings really mean, this is the course for you. It will give you the tools to crack the hidden codes behind paintings in any art gallery, and indentify the seemingly mysterious figures in great works of art. This course aims to look at the stories which are often re-told in secular and religious Italian Renaissance painting around, 1400-1600. Most often the stories came from antique literary sources which had survived through the middle ages and were the preserve of the rich and cultured.

What topics will we cover?

In order to unravel the pictorial content of paintings produced during the Italian Renaissance, the viewer needs to have some working knowledge of mythology. We will recognise the stories by interpreting signs and symbols, also known as the iconography and iconology, as well as recognising ‘types’ in the paining. Why were these subjects so popular? Were paintings merely illustrations of the text or did they carry some deeper meaning? How did artists such as Botticelli, Pintoricchio, Titian and Tintoretto approach these subjects? From mythology to religious art, all will be revealed.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- understand the major motivations of the patrons who commissioned the artists
- know, in terms of chronology, the span of the period
- identify different signs and symbols in paintings
- differentiate between Gods, Goddesses and personifications
- identify Gods, Goddesses and personification by their attributes
- speak about a single painting from an iconographical point of view.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an introductory course and does not assume any previous study or reading, but you will need a good grasp of English to keep up. You will gain more from the course if you are able and willing to do some supplementary reading. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, an open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will be classroom-based and will be taught in a seminar format, with the use of slides and handouts. There will also be a museum visit. Making your own further museum visits, and reading outside the course, will greatly enhance your experience.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Limited book purchase recommended but optional; a bibliography will be provided.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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