The art of collecting in the Renaissance: the Studiolo

What is the course about?

The studiolo is probably the most significant domestic interior space to emerge in the Renaissance and can be seen as the precursor of the Kunstkammer and museum. An inner sanctum in the home of leaders, scholars and merchants, the studiolo developed from the library and offered its owner a place to study not only books but objects from antiquity, the Islamic world and works by contemporary artists. While each collection is unique, reflecting the interests of its collector, a common desire to possess objects for their rarity and craftsmanship informed collecting practices. As a result, artists began to produce objects including bronze statuettes and prints specifically for these early collectors. While predominantly private, this space provided its owner with the chance to display their achievements and erudition to the select few invited into it.

This course will chart the evolution of the studiolo during the fifteenth century. We will look at some of the key examples formed during the Renaissance including those of Piero de’ Medici, Federigo da Montefeltro and Isabella d’Este. We will consider where these collections were placed in the home and who could access them. Through looking at the types of objects included in the studiolo, and how they were displayed and used, we will form an understanding of early collecting practices that would establish those of early museums such as the Wunderkammer and Kunstkammer of the sixteenth century.

What will we cover?

· Collecting in Renaissance Italy

· Display and uses of the studiolo

· Interest in the Antique past in Renaissance Italy

· Collecting Islamic art in Renaissance Italy

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

· Identify what makes an object desirable for Renaissance collectors

· Discuss relationship between objects and how they were used in the studiolo

· Understand how artists responded to collectors by making new objects including statuettes, plaquettes and prints

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for all levels.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations and hand-outs. You should be willing to read the assigned texts as they will be key to certain aspects of our lectures and discussions.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught by lecture with slide images and you will be invited to participate in group discussion. This course uses a Google Classroom to share supplementary materials. The tutor will print out required readings and the course outline, but all other documents will be shared via the Google Classroom.

One session of this course takes place offsite in a gallery in London. Offsite courses take place during public access hours. Tutors are not able to control sound levels or behaviours of visitors outside of the course group, gallery closures or fire alarms. Unless you are a wheelchair user, and have confirmed access details with us (as levels of access can vary between buildings), you will need to be able to walk between sites and stand for some time while looking at them (you may bring your own portable stool if you have one, but we cannot guarantee access to seating offsite.) If you feel you may be impacted by these environmental variations, please inform the department on humanities@citylit.ac.uk before the course begins, to discuss reasonable accommodations we can make to assist your learning in offsite.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided for future study.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

The Grand Tour: antiquity, art and cultural encounters