Masters of the Renaissance: Leonardo and Michelangelo

Leonardo and Michelangelo, the quintessential Renaissance masters, representing for many this iconic period, but what do we really know about them? This course will expose the myths; revealing the truths, bringing them and their creations to life. Please note - this course has a break week on 13/10/2011 and a Saturday offsite visit on 19/11/2011 – contact Visual Arts for full schedule once enrolled.

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Key course information

Dates
22/09/11 - 24/11/11

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
9 weeks

Time
18:00 - 19:30

Fees
Full fee: £121
Senior fee: £121
Concession: £74

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VB180

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?

We have all heard of the great masters of the Renaissance, Leonardo and Michelangelo. Speculation regarding their true lives, and the meanings of their works, has been rife for centuries. But how much do we really know about them?

How did they become such great artists? Were they famous in their own lifetimes? Were they rich, and where and how did they learn their craft?

How much of a maverick was Leonardo? Did he really place his own likeness in all his works? Were there hidden meanings in these works and did he belong to secret organisations?

We will also ask whether Michelangelo really understood the intricacies of a woman’s body, and what the nature of his relationship with Vitoria Colona was. How real was the competition and struggle for dominance between the two artists?

What topics will we cover?

This course aims to give you an insight into the lives of these two great Renaissance masters and ultimately an understanding of their works through the historical and social context within which they worked. This will be achieved by looking at their early careers and influences including their training and working methods, and the stylistic similarities or differences in their works. Emphasis will also be put on their reasons for the choices they made in media, such as chalk, charcoal, silverpoint and painting methods.

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

- understand the major motivations were of these artists
- know, in terms of chronology, the span of the period
- identify different styles of painting and drawing
- differentiate between the artists' different styles
- identify Renaissance influences
- speak about a single painting or drawing.

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 to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths 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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