Art History courses online and in London
Looking to build your confidence in discussing and interpreting art? Or are you interested in taking your established knowledge of art in new directions? Then come and join City Lit’s Art History learning community!
Our exceptional range of courses, both introductory and in-depth, are designed for all learning levels. Our programme approaches art history from a variety of perspectives including social and cultural context, art theory and philosophy, curation and collecting, general art appreciation and so much more.
Choosing the right class for you
Our courses are open to all. Our students come from all backgrounds and learning experiences, from the absolute beginner to those refining their knowledge and understanding. We aim to give you the confidence to engage meaningfully with art, whatever level you are working from. Our students use our courses for personal fulfilment as well as professional and educational development. Many of our students go on to advanced degree and certificate programmes and many are able to use their knowledge in art making and gallery work.
Learn from expert tutors
At City Lit we are proud of the expertise of our tutors who are all professional art historians working actively in museums, galleries, research and writing, universities and auction houses. As experts in the field, they are able to provide you with the support and guidance you need to develop your art historical knowledge. As teachers they provide student-focused education, helping students achieve their art historical goals, both the personal and the professional.
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- Study day: Illuminated manuscripts of the Islamic worldCourse start date: Sun 18 May 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Anita ChowdryStudy book design and production in the Islamic world. The art of the book is one of the cornerstones of Islamic visual culture, with the role of the Qur’an driving the development of the arts in general.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £48.00 Concession £45.00 - Study day: textiles and costumes of the Indian courts
Course start date: Sun 8 Jun 2025Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Anita ChowdryStudy the distinctive sartorial identity of court attire under the early Mughal emperors of India, and its development from a fusion of Central Asian, Iranian and Indian traditions in textiles and dress.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - Study day: Rembrandt and 17th century printmakingCourse start date: Sun 7 Dec 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Caroline RaeRembrandt, one of the most famous painters of the Dutch Republic, was also an innovative printmaker. He produced a large oeuvre of printed works, which in their expressive effect and astounding use of light can be considered artworks which rival his paintings. This course will offer a deep dive into Rembrandt’s practice and the seventeenth century Netherlands to explore how he experimented with the medium. Rembrandt as a collector of prints will also be discussed.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - Study day: Fakes, forgeries and the experience of artCourse start date: Sun 11 May 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Sarah JaffrayWhat gives an artwork get its value? Investigate the very fine boundary between the real and the fake and who makes the call by looking at various interpretations of authenticity.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00
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