ART 331 - Seminar in Northern European Art

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

Topic for 2018/19b: Rembrandt. Already in the seventeenth century, the work of Rembrandt van Rijn was subject to criticism, controversy, acclaim and fascination. His bold, painterly style, unconventional approach to the making of art and the subjects he depicted — from the Bible and mythology, portraiture and figure studies — distinguished him from his contemporaries and challenged traditional notions of art. This seminar investigates Rembrandt’s career from his beginnings in the city of Leiden to his move and rise to fame in Amsterdam. Considering his paintings, prints and drawings, we examine why and how Rembrandt rejected the ‘classical ideal’ and the complex ways he interacted with the artistic culture around him. Integral to our discussions is Rembrandt’s place in seventeenth-century Dutch society, the functioning of his workshop, and the reception of his art — by connoisseurs, scholars, collectors, and others — from the early modern period until today. This course focuses on the study of original works of art in the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center and in at least one field trip to museums in New York City. Travel expenses are funded by the Department. Lara Yeager-Crasselt.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor

One 2-hour period.