An introduction to Italian painting, sculpture, and architecture from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Unlike other academic disciplines, art history continues to refer to this period as a renaissance or rebirth. Why is this the case? To what extent is this a useful definition? We will consider these questions by paying critical attention to the ideals that have come to be associated with the Renaissance as a period of astounding creativity and achievement in the visual arts: the importance of classical culture, renewed attention to naturalism, and developing individuality of the artist. We will then explore a series of thematic and contextual perspectives (including religion, domestic life, civic ritual, political power, and artistic style) from which to view select works of art. The goal of this course is not to present an exhaustive survey of the period, but rather to provide a broad range of frames of reference for thinking about Renaissance art. Format: lecture and discussion. Requirements will include a midterm, a final, and two papers. Prerequisites: ArtH 101-102. Open to non-majors and first-years students. Enrollment limit: 40.

Hour: SOLUM