Art History 290 - Jewish Religious Art/Culture

'Despite the biblical prohibition against 'graven images' there exists a rich history of Jewish religious art and aesthetics. This course will study ancient Israelite art and archeology, including the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the extraordinary mosaic floors and frescoes of early synagogues throughout the Mediterranean world, medieval illuminated Hebrew manuscripts and printed book culture, synagogues of later periods, including the wooden synagogues of Eastern Europe, and Judaic ritual objects of many types. Jewish art, architecture, and visual representation will be explored in the context of the ancient Near Eastern, Greco-Roman, Christian, and Islamic settings in which they evolved.'