Not offered 2007-2008
ARTS 317T The Miniature
This course will involve the critical analysis and production of works of art done on a small scale. If art on the largest scale is inherently public in nature, what is the nature of the
miniature? The miniature has fulfilled many functions: images of remembrance, the portrait
of a beloved, devotional objects, art made as an object of contemplation and wonder. The
language of the miniature is intimate, private, and bears the authority of understatement. Our
involvement with many works of art is likely to be distanced, in time and in space. Our
involvement with the miniature is close, highly personal, and frequent. Course assignments
will examine the inherent qualities of the work in miniature, and ask students to create work
to fulfill historically defined and innovative functions. The assigned work can be executed in
any medium in which the student has completed an introductory course. Students will meet
in pairs, together with the instructor, and the students will present critical responses to the
works in progress and upon completion. Readings will be assigned to focus this critical
analysis. In addition to the production of miniatures, each student will research and deliver
critical presentations on related contemporary or historical works.
Format: tutorial. Evaluation will be based on the quality of the assigned work, the
engagement in the critique process, and quality of presentations.
Prerequisites: any ArtS 200-level course. Enrollment limit: 10 (expected: 10). Preference
given to Art majors.
LEVIN