Art History 301MH - Making History

This research seminar looks at the relationship between historical painting and the history it depicts. How much is fact; how much is fiction; and how do we explain the differences? To what ends was it painted? The first half of the semester will examine these questions using critical theory and real examples. Students will then develop a major American, British, or French history painting for sustained research and analysis. Possible pictures include Turner's Slave Ship, Gericault's Raft of the Medusa, Copley's Watson and the Shark, Eakins's Gross Clinic, Leutze's Washington Crossing the Delaware, and others.

This course is open to juniors and seniors; Prereq: 8 credits in Art History.