Art & the History of Art 210 - Worlds in Contact: Travel and European Art

(Offered as ARHA 210 and EUST 210) This course examines the role of travel and movement in the creation of art in early modern Europe. During this period, rising professional ambitions, unprecedented educational opportunities, and growing political instability motivated artists to travel within Europe and, increasingly, across the globe. At the same time, the circulation and exchange of artworks and ideas generated new art forms, ranging from oil paintings to botanical studies. Throughout the semester, we will explore the forces that mobilized both people and objects. Topics will include the invention of new artistic techniques, the demands of royal court culture, the birth of tourism and museums, and the role of art and artists in facilitating and promoting European colonialism. This course will emphasize the study of early modern primary sources and the application of postcolonial theory to art historical analysis.

Fall 2026: Visiting Assistant Prof. Dostal

How to handle overenrollment: Prioritize ARHA/EUST majors

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Emphasis on critical reading, written work, visual analysis, viewing objects at the Mead.