Art of the Northern Renaissance

About this course

The course examines artistic production in northern Europe from the early 15th to the late 16th century, including developments in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, France and Germany. It considers the cultural contexts and debates surrounding the Northern Renaissance, as well as exchanges between northern and Italian artists and patrons. Sessions analyse paintings, prints and sculpture by artists including Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, Albrecht Dürer, Grünewald, Hieronymus Bosch and Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Teaching combines short lectures, slide presentations and group discussions, with digital reading materials available through Google Classroom.

What you'll learn

• Identify characteristic features of Northern Renaissance art
• Recognise works by significant Northern Renaissance artists
• Explain how artistic techniques influenced the appearance of the works studied
• Compare Northern Renaissance works with their Italian counterparts

Is this course right for you?

Open to learners at all levels, the course does not require prior knowledge of art history beyond a general interest in art. Learners should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information. Teaching includes lectures, slide shows and discussions.

• No previous subject knowledge is required
• Learners need to follow written and verbal course information
• The course uses lectures, visual presentations and discussions

Before you go

• Digital reading materials will be available for download through Google Classroom.
• Learners may wish to bring a notebook.
• Books from any reading list provided in class may be purchased separately.