The Power of the Image in the Middle Ages

We live in a society saturated with images, but in the medieval period the average person encountered pictures only within a limited range of contexts. In this course we will examine architecture, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, and luxury artworks of the fifth through the 15th centuries in Europe and will consider the significances these works held for their original viewers. Key topics include: the image in Christian devotion, the role of the luxury arts in royal propaganda, the use of the image to crystallize stereotypes, and the status of the female figure as embodiment of positive and negative forces. 3 hrs. lect.

Schedule
2:50pm-4:05pm on Monday, Wednesday (Sep 10, 2012 to Dec 7, 2012)
Location
Mahaney Center for the Arts 125
Instructors