ARTH 448(F) Art about Art: 1400-1900
This thematic seminar will focus on depictions through which artists referred to their own profession, its products and their reception. Images to be discussed include legends of the origin of art, self-portraits and other portraits of artists, scenes of contemporary and historical artists in their studios and in other contexts, as well as finished art on display. While tracking the major changes in imagery from the end of the Middle Ages through the nineteenth century (with some reference to earlier and later developments) we will analyze specific images, comparing their implications with both the social conditions and the theoretical positions then current. Requirements: two 12-page or one 25-page paper. Prerequisites: ArtH 101-102 or ArtH 213 or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 15.