The rise of Renaissance masters: origins and conclusions

When and where did the Renaissance start? How long was it? And what is Renaissance art? This course helps you answer these questions: looking at individual masters, revealing how they came to learn their craft and the subsequent widespread impact of the Renaissance across Europe.

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Key course information

Dates
26/04/12 - 05/07/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
10 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
VB130

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?

We will chart the course of the Renaissance, beginning with its medieval origins, the works of the early Renaissance masters and the training and workshop practises. Each week will highlight one of these different areas along with individual lessons dedicated to the work of Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo, Titian and others.

The course will also venture outside of Florence to look at the Renaissance in Siena, Pisa and Rome, as well as further afield to the Northern countries with artists such as Holbein, Van Eyck, Cranach and Dürer. Emphasis will also be put on the media they chose, such as chalk, charcoal, silverpoint and painting methods. 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.

Finally, we will look at the lives and works of these great Renaissance masters through the historical and social context in which they worked.

What topics will we cover?

We have heard much of the Renaissance and Florence, the city that is principally associated with it. However, we are not so clear about when and why the Renaissance began, whether it all really centred in Florence, how long it lasted and what exactly makes a painting a Renaissance painting.

Of course when we think of the Renaissance we inevitably think of the great masters such as Leonardo and Michelangelo, whose lives, and the meaning of their works, have inspired speculation for centuries. But 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 do we really know about the lives and the work of the earlier, pioneering Renaissance artists whose works would ultimately influence the quintessential Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael and Titian?

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

- Know what 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, 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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