The course surveys the history of Western painting from the late
18th century to the turn of the 20th century.  The styles and
movements covered range from neo-classicism to romanticism, realism,
impressionism, and post-impressionism.  While most of the works
examined are the products of European cultures, some American
painting is also included; French painting is most heavily
represented.  The course follows a roughly chronological track, but
there is a strong emphasis on themes, issues, and comparative
methods of approaching, interpreting, and writing about works of art
and their makers.  The issues include considerations of social
class, race, and gender, along with the new economic and cultural
conditions created by industrialism, capitalism, and national
expansion in the modern period.  The category of the “modern” itself
is also under review.  Along with the standard movements, we will be
talking about the art market; images and social relations of the
artist; pictorial ideas of masculinity and femininity; the situation
of women as subjects and makers of art; Orientalism; representation
of blacks and other socially marginalized groups; representations of
work; and the impact of new technologies and social conditions on
urban and rural landscapes and how they are painted.