Art History 101 - COLQ:FROM CAVES TO CATHEDRALS

Emphasizing discussion and short written assignments, these colloquia have as their goal the development of art historical skills of description, analysis, and interpretation. Unless otherwise indicated, each section is limited to 18, normally first years and sophomores. Through a selective study of European art from the prehistoric period to about 1500 we shall consider: (1) materials and techniques; (2) patterns variously deployed to create the illusion of space; (3) the design, function, and symbolism of cities and buildings; (4) the relationship of artistic production and expression to religion, politics, individual and institutional patronage, and other social and intellectual spheres; (5) issues turning on uniqueness and artists' fame versus anonymity, canonicity, reproducibility, and transmissibility; (6) cross-cultural exchange. The analytical and interpretative models used by historians of art to contextualize the objects they study will be highlighted throughout.

Limited to first-years, sophomores.