The mirror of nature: art and culture in the 17th century
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- Start Date: 09 May 2025End Date: 13 Jun 2025Last Spaces LeftFri (Daytime): 10:30 - 12:30In PersonFull fee £169.00 Senior fee £135.00 Concession £110.00
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What is the course about?
Each session will focus on a different aspect of seventeenth-century art and culture. Key artists, architects and designers will be introduced and their works placed in a cultural and social context. The course takes a chronological route, decade by decade, through the century, but some classes will focus on themes which cut across the work of several artists, for example the growth of scientific enquiry as one the defining intellectual traits of the age. The course includes in-depth study of the Baroque and Rococo styles in France, Italy, the Netherlands and Britain.
What will we cover?
• The characteristics of seventeenth-century Baroque and Rococo art and design
• The cultural and historical context of seventeenth-century art
• How the art and design of this period reflects the society in which it was created.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Recognise different styles and types of seventeenth-century art and design
• Describe seventeenth-century art and design and express an informed personal response
• Demonstrate an understanding of key aspects of seventeenth-century history and culture.
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, 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 lecture, slide presentations and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course.
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.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
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Leslie Primo has spent more than 15 years giving lectures to the general public at the National Gallery for the Information and Education departments. During this time he graduated with a degree in History of Art and an MA in Renaissance Studies from Birkbeck, University College of London. In his studies he specialised in early Medieval and Renaissance studies, including, Italian Renaissance Drawing, Art and Architecture in Europe 1250-1400 Art and Architecture in Europe 1400-1500, Medici and Patronage, Narrative Painting in the Age of Giotto, and the work of Peter Paul Rubens focusing on his paintings of the Judgement of Paris, and Greek Myth in paintings. He is also an accredited Art Society lecturer.
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.
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