Italian Renaissance drawing: design, form and function

Behind every great Renaissance painting is an equally astounding; some would say greater, Renaissance drawing. Indeed artists were judged firstly not by the quality of their paintings, but by their grasp of, and skill in, drawing. Understand why and how great Renaissance works were created.

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Key course information

Dates
18/05/12 - 29/06/12

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
7 weeks

Time
14:35 - 16:35

Fees
Full fee: £102
Senior fee: £64
Concession: £50

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VB131

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

Behind every great Renaissance painting is an equally astounding, some would say greater, drawing. Indeed, artists were judged firstly not by the quality of their paintings, but by their grasp of and skill in drawing. But although there are some extraordinary examples that survive, many did not.

This course will bring together some of those paintings with their accompanying surviving drawings to demonstrate that the importance of drawing upon the very fabric of the Renaissance cannot be underestimated, because without drawings there could be no Italian Renaissance. By examining how this, at first, purely functional object was developed, made and used, we will discover how they would eventually come to be regarded as works of art in their own right.

What topics will we cover?

Each week will focus on the different materials and techniques used to create some of these sublime drawings - such as vellum parchment, lead-white, black and red chalks, charcoal and metalpoint - and the variety of effects that were obtained.

The course will also cover the development of drawing plans for patrons to presentation drawings, and the use and function of drawing books. The drawings of well known artists such as Michelangelo (1475-1564) and Leonardo (1452-1519) will be discussed and analysed, however, this course will also look at the antecedents and lesser known contemporaries of these great artist, such as: Antonio and Piero Pollaiuolo (about 1432-1498 and about 1441-before 1496), Domenico Ghirlandaio (1449-1494), Pontormo (1494-1557), Andrea del Verrocchio (about 1435-1488) and many others.

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

- understand the major motivations of the artists and the uses of their drawings
- know, in terms of chronology, the span of the period
- identify different styles and techniques of drawings
- differentiate between the artists' different styles and choices of medium
- identify Renaissance influences
- speak about a single drawing in terms of its medium.

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. 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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