Course Description
The continuity of an artistic tradition in relation to the history of the seat of the Roman Empire, the Catholic Church, and modern Italy. Attention is given to specific sites, artistic types, and public processions.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be expected to produce an extensive
research paper on specific works or issues related to the field
and the methodologies appropriate to the topic under
consideration in the course. This paper will be a detailed,
in-depth consideration of the student's chosen theme requiring
not only a demonstration of advanced research skills (including
the ability to read and use material presented in foreign
languages), but also an articulation of the student's ability to
understand and manipulate the critical apparatus of art history
in connection with Art and Architecture of the City of Rome.
Athena Title
CITY OF ROME
Prerequisite
Two ARHI 3000-level courses and permission of major
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The subject of this course is the history of art and architecture in the city of Rome in the Renaissance and Baroque--the fourteenth through the seventeenth centuries. Rome is rightly called the eternal city-- not merely for its age, but also because of the consistent role played by its monuments and their builders in the definition and glorification of the city and its rulers. In order to Renaissance and Baroque Rome, the class will commence with a brief introduction to Rome's artistic heritage, from the ancient Romans through the medieval papacy. The class will then consider specific types of commissions-altarpieces, churches, palaces, sculptural programs-that are emblematic of the specific goals and intentions of Rome, the city and its people. We will explore the development of Rome's artistic heritage as a means of understanding not only the traditional notions of what is Renaissance or Baroque art, but also as they develop out of the unique historical context of one city. Students will be expected to develop a research topic, present their information to the class, and prepare a research paper.
Topical Outline
I. Introduction to Rome II. Imperial Rome III. Early Christian and Medieval Rome IV. Rome before Julius II V. Renaissance Rome VI. Baroque Rome VII. The Invention of Urbanism in Rome VIII. Churches in Rome IX. Palaces in Rome X. Altarpieces in Rome XI. Chapel Decoration XII. Private Monuments--Tombs and Gardens XIII. Public Monuments--Tombs and Fountains XIV. Public Spaces in Rome XV. Halls of State XVI. Conclusion--Rome in the 21st century