This course surveys the rich production of art from Venice, 1450-1600. We will study the development of the particularly Venetian style of painting, from the innovations of Giovanni Bellini and the Arcadian painting of Giorgione, through the long and influential career of Titian, to the paintings of Veronese and Tintoretto, among others. Our focus will be on visual dialog as we explore the interconnections of painting with architecture, sculpture, engravings, and woodcuts. We will read contemporary criticism and literature as we situate artwork in the social, religious, and urban contexts of the city. The art production often reflects Venice’s role as the capital of an empire, uniquely positioned between other Italian centers, Northern Europe, and Mediterranean cities such as Istanbul. Topics will include artists as travelers and diplomats; the role of patrons, institutions, and audience; innovations in methods and media; and iconographic enigmas and intellectual delight. Readings for the course will expose students to a variety of methodologies, including historical sociology, feminist critique, comparative formal analysis, iconography, and comparisons with poetry and music.

This course fulfills the following Major requirements: Geographical area (A) and Chronological period (II). 

*This course will not hold discussion sections, but you must enroll in one to register for the lecture.