Introduction

This introduction to the history of art and visual culture provides a broad overview of the major developments in western art between c.1100 and the present day. It is divided into three parts, each of which explores the concept and practice of art in a distinct historical period. The first part, ‘Medieval to Renaissance’, explores the diverse forms of art and the varied functions it fulfilled before 1600. The second part, ‘Academy to avant-garde’, explores a period in which the theory and practice of art were dominated by painting, sculpture, and architecture. The final part, ‘Modernity to globalization’, explores the period since 1850, showing how art has diversified into a wide range of forms and media.

Learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• Understand the changing perceptions and definitions of art across history
• Understand the relationship between ‘art’ and visual culture
• Understand the global dimension of art and how it has changed over time
• Understand the significance of notions of ‘function’ and ‘autonomy’ for art history
• Understand the role of patronage, institutions and the wider historical context in shaping art.