The variety of antique sources available to the Italian artists of the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries was vast and the interpretations and re-interpretations of them will form the focus of our attention in this course. During our study, in particular, of the works of Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Donatell, Verrocchio and Michelangelo, we shall trace the manner in which the study of classical culture and art together with expressions of an innate sense of psychophysical beauty produced major innovations in the art of sculpture. We will learn that an historical context is necessary in order to study the art of a particular period. However,a genius transcends his milieu - he is above the current style and he anticipates future developments. The major sculptors that we will be studying clearly reflect this concept.
Every work of art is determined by what preceded it.
As well as a tradition in form, there is a tradition of content. Iconography, which will be of major concern to us in this course, is the science of the traditions of artistic imagery of the subject matter. Excellent slides of all the sculptural works of art discussed will be shown in class, with many details included. The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.