From the early decades of the 15^th century, the city of Rome began an extended transformation from a neglected output to a leading center of Renaissance innovation. This course will examine the art and architecture produced during this dynamic period until 1527 (the Sack of Rome) to explore several facets, including: the reconciliation of classical ideals and ancient learning with Christian and humanistic beliefs; the re-establishment and expansion of papal power revived, restored, and renewed in a city positioned as "caput mundi’; and the competition and collaboration among artists to define new modes of artistic exploration in painting, sculpture, and urban projects that reflected an image of Rome as an ideal heavenly and secular city.

Classes are organized roughly chronologically and thematically, with a focus on the invaluable opportunity to view firsthand works of art in their original context. Class discussions will be based on the analysis of  monuments and  textual sources from the time period, as well as more recent studies conducted with different methods, but closely related to on-site visits. Familiarity with original works of art and primary sources will  provide the foundation for studying the specific historical and cultural context of the Renaissance in Rome.

 

Learning Outcomes: Students will obtain firsthand knowledge of Roman Renaissance painting, sculpture and architecture within the period's cultural context by viewing, interpreting, and discussing works of art in their original location and via the lens of selected readings