Study day: 17th century Spain, from Zurbarán to Velázquez
An introduction to the Spanish 'Golden Age' of painting (c.1550-1660). We'll explore key subjects and visual style, linking it to the historical context of early modern Spain. Emphasis will be placed on the art of Zurbarán and Velázquez, but a variety of artists from the period will be discussed to better understand the distinction of Spanish painting.
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The 'Golden Age' of Spanish painting is linked to Spain's global power - where there is wealth there is art. This study day is designed to present broad and introductory overview of the Spanish Baroque.
We begin with the historical context (please see last paragraph on content guidance), artistic influences from cultures colonised by Spain, Islamic culture, Italian art and the Catholic Church. We'll develop an understanding of certain aspects of Spanish national identity at the time, both problematic and positive, related to faith, 'el populacho' (the masses of everyday people), colonialism and the 80 years-long war with the Dutch Republic. We will touch on the important work of El Greco, Jusepe de Ribera and Juan Sánchez Cotán and some others who develop the artistic conventions of the period.
After a one-hour lunch break, we focus in on the work of Francisco de Zurbarán (1598-1664) and end the course with at least one hour on the art of the era's most influential painter, Diego Velázquez (1599-1660).
Content guidance: the historical context of Spain in this period begins with the 'Reconquista' (1492). As part of the Reconquista, Jewish and Muslim Spaniards were persecuted, expelled or forced to convert as part of reshaping Spain's national identity. The wealth that funded the artworks we cover came from the colonisation 'New Spain' (large areas of the Americas and the Philippines) by conquistadors. We will deal critically with this context as it is essential to understanding the art of the period.
What will we cover?
An introduction to Spain's 17th century historical context, including the impact of Catholicism, war and colonialism
An introduction to the style of Spanish baroque painting, the artists and ideas that developed it
An introduction to the life and work of Francisco de Zurbarán
An introduction to the life and work of Diego Velázquez
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Discuss the historical context of the period impacted the development of painting, subjects and visual style • Describe the purpose of painting in this era related to religious practice, political power and artistic influence • Critically engage with Spanish art of 17th century and potentially understand its influence on art of later historical periods in both Spain, Europe and the Americas
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels, but it is aimed at those who are new to Spanish baroque art.
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.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught with slide presentations and group discussions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to bring a notebook. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class (it will not be given before the class begins). Please note: powerpoint slides will not be shared as part of this class. A note sheet summary with further reading will be available to those who attend the session and cannot be emailed to students who are not in attendance.
Sarah is an art historian, educator, curator and writer based in London. Before her current position as art history tutor coordinator and programme lead at City Lit Sarah was a curator in the Department of Prints and Drawings at the British Museum. For six years, she was the lead educator for the Bridget Riley Art Foundation and has also worked at Wellcome Collection exploring the connections of art, medicine and human experience. Sarah has been an art history lecturer since 2003. Her first MA was in art history, her second MA was in cultural studies and her BA (first) was in art history. Sarah's expertise is in late 19th/early 20th century French art, but is also a generalist, teaching on a variety of topics and prefers to place artworks and objects in their wider social and cultural contexts, from the European Renaissance to the contemporary, emphasising new narratives and approaches to Western Art History.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/study-day-17th-century-spain-from-zurbaran-to-velazquez3046351Study day: 17th century Spain, from Zurbarán to Velázquezhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/t/study-day-17th-century-spain-from-zurbaran-to-velazquez-vb311-1000.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Introductory & general art history courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities22851136113711771228511771136<p>An introduction to the Spanish 'Golden Age' of painting (c.1550-1660). We'll explore key subjects and visual style, linking it to the historical context of early modern Spain. Emphasis will be placed on the art of Zurbarán and Velázquez, but a variety of artists from the period will be discussed to better understand the distinction of Spanish painting.</p>003046315Study day: 17th century Spain, from Zurbarán to Velázquez7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/t/study-day-17th-century-spain-from-zurbaran-to-velazquez-vb311-1000_1.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-09-26T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB3117979Study day: 17th century Spain, from Zurbarán to Velázquez797979Sarah Jaffraystudy-day-17th-century-spain-from-zurbaran-to-velazquez/vb311-2627<p>An introduction to the Spanish 'Golden Age' of painting (c.1550-1660). We'll explore key subjects and visual style, linking it to the historical context of early modern Spain. Emphasis will be placed on the art of Zurbarán and Velázquez, but a variety of artists from the period will be discussed to better understand the distinction of Spanish painting.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-26 00:00:00<p>The 'Golden Age' of Spanish painting is linked to Spain's global power - where there is wealth there is art. This study day is designed to present broad and introductory overview of the Spanish Baroque.</p><p>We begin with the historical context (please see last paragraph on content guidance), artistic influences from cultures colonised by Spain, Islamic culture, Italian art and the Catholic Church. We'll develop an understanding of certain aspects of Spanish national identity at the time, both problematic and positive, related to faith, 'el populacho' (the masses of everyday people), colonialism and the 80 years-long war with the Dutch Republic. We will touch on the important work of El Greco, Jusepe de Ribera and Juan Sánchez Cotán and some others who develop the artistic conventions of the period. </p><p>After a one-hour lunch break, we focus in on the work of Francisco de Zurbarán (1598-1664) and end the course with at least one hour on the art of the era's most influential painter, Diego Velázquez (1599-1660).</p><p><strong>Content guidance</strong>: the historical context of Spain in this period begins with the 'Reconquista' (1492). As part of the Reconquista, Jewish and Muslim Spaniards were persecuted, expelled or forced to convert as part of reshaping Spain's national identity. The wealth that funded the artworks we cover came from the colonisation 'New Spain' (large areas of the Americas and the Philippines) by conquistadors. We will deal critically with this context as it is essential to understanding the art of the period.</p><p>An introduction to the Spanish 'Golden Age' of painting (c.1550-1660). We'll explore key subjects and visual style, linking it to the historical context of early modern Spain. Emphasis will be placed on the art of Zurbarán and Velázquez, but a variety of artists from the period will be discussed to better understand the distinction of Spanish painting.</p><ul><li>An introduction to Spain's 17th century historical context, including the impact of Catholicism, war and colonialism</li><li>An introduction to the style of Spanish baroque painting, the artists and ideas that developed it</li><li>An introduction to the life and work of Francisco de Zurbarán</li><li>An introduction to the life and work of Diego Velázquez</li></ul><p>• Discuss the historical context of the period impacted the development of painting, subjects and visual style<br>• Describe the purpose of painting in this era related to religious practice, political power and artistic influence<br>• Critically engage with Spanish art of 17th century and potentially understand its influence on art of later historical periods in both Spain, Europe and the Americas</p><p>This course is suitable for all levels, but it is aimed at those who are new to Spanish baroque art.<br><br>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.</p><p>You will be taught with slide presentations and group discussions.</p><p>You might wish to bring a notebook. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class (it will not be given before the class begins). <strong>Please note</strong>: powerpoint slides will not be shared as part of this class. A note sheet summary with further reading will be available to those who attend the session and cannot be emailed to students who are not in attendance. </p><p>Study day: Gaudí and Catalan Modernisme</p><p>Study day: Goya and the Romantic Movement</p>Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesvirtual797979VB311NONESat26/09/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetSarah JaffrayBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2026-09-26T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Culture, history & humanities7979Study day: 17th century Spain, from Zurbarán to Velázquezstudy-day-17th-century-spain-from-zurbaran-to-velazquez/vb311-2627<p>An introduction to the Spanish 'Golden Age' of painting (c.1550-1660). We'll explore key subjects and visual style, linking it to the historical context of early modern Spain. Emphasis will be placed on the art of Zurbarán and Velázquez, but a variety of artists from the period will be discussed to better understand the distinction of Spanish painting.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-26 00:00:00<p>The 'Golden Age' of Spanish painting is linked to Spain's global power - where there is wealth there is art. This study day is designed to present broad and introductory overview of the Spanish Baroque.</p><p>We begin with the historical context (please see last paragraph on content guidance), artistic influences from cultures colonised by Spain, Islamic culture, Italian art and the Catholic Church. We'll develop an understanding of certain aspects of Spanish national identity at the time, both problematic and positive, related to faith, 'el populacho' (the masses of everyday people), colonialism and the 80 years-long war with the Dutch Republic. We will touch on the important work of El Greco, Jusepe de Ribera and Juan Sánchez Cotán and some others who develop the artistic conventions of the period. </p><p>After a one-hour lunch break, we focus in on the work of Francisco de Zurbarán (1598-1664) and end the course with at least one hour on the art of the era's most influential painter, Diego Velázquez (1599-1660).</p><p><strong>Content guidance</strong>: the historical context of Spain in this period begins with the 'Reconquista' (1492). As part of the Reconquista, Jewish and Muslim Spaniards were persecuted, expelled or forced to convert as part of reshaping Spain's national identity. The wealth that funded the artworks we cover came from the colonisation 'New Spain' (large areas of the Americas and the Philippines) by conquistadors. We will deal critically with this context as it is essential to understanding the art of the period.</p><p>An introduction to the Spanish 'Golden Age' of painting (c.1550-1660). We'll explore key subjects and visual style, linking it to the historical context of early modern Spain. Emphasis will be placed on the art of Zurbarán and Velázquez, but a variety of artists from the period will be discussed to better understand the distinction of Spanish painting.</p><ul><li>An introduction to Spain's 17th century historical context, including the impact of Catholicism, war and colonialism</li><li>An introduction to the style of Spanish baroque painting, the artists and ideas that developed it</li><li>An introduction to the life and work of Francisco de Zurbarán</li><li>An introduction to the life and work of Diego Velázquez</li></ul><p>• Discuss the historical context of the period impacted the development of painting, subjects and visual style<br>• Describe the purpose of painting in this era related to religious practice, political power and artistic influence<br>• Critically engage with Spanish art of 17th century and potentially understand its influence on art of later historical periods in both Spain, Europe and the Americas</p><p>This course is suitable for all levels, but it is aimed at those who are new to Spanish baroque art.<br><br>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.</p><p>You will be taught with slide presentations and group discussions.</p><p>You might wish to bring a notebook. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class (it will not be given before the class begins). <strong>Please note</strong>: powerpoint slides will not be shared as part of this class. A note sheet summary with further reading will be available to those who attend the session and cannot be emailed to students who are not in attendance. </p><p>Study day: Gaudí and Catalan Modernisme</p><p>Study day: Goya and the Romantic Movement</p>Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesconfigurable
11371136Introductory & general art history courseshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/art-history/introductory-general-art-history1/2/285/1177/1136/11371/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Introductory & general art history courses
