Topic: Michelangelo and Later 16th Century (Renaissance) Art
(Mannerism)
Students of European Art have seldom devoted sufficient time
to a careful study of Italian Late Renaissance Art, which has
traditionally been lumped under the problematic term "mannerism."
Whereas the importance of Michelangelo is indisputable, whole
generations of artists have been ignored as a result of scholarly
fascination with Michelangelo's genius.  This seminar will seek
to rectify that scholarly oversight, and concentrate on the
stylistic transitions in painting, sculpture, and architecture in
Central Italy after 1527.  Our point of departure will be a
series of readings and discussion, including a close study of
S.J. Freedberg's seminal Painting in Italy 1500-1600, and other,
more recent publications.  Students will then pursue individual
research that will culminate in slide presentations and seminar
papers based upon these presentations.
Over and beyond questions of stylistic progression, the
Cinquecento (1500's) is marked by an abundance of writings on art
theory and practice, by both artists and observers.  Therefore,
this course should also be of interest to anyone concerned with
the history of art criticism and response in early modern Europe.