Study day: Women and art in early modern Italy - viewers, patrons and collectors

About this course

The session considers women’s relationships with visual and material culture in Renaissance Italy, including the roles of wives, widows, nuns and rulers. It examines marriage chests, portraits, devotional images and other works associated with women, focusing on their social, political, religious and family meanings. Isabella d’Este is discussed alongside less documented patrons and collectors. Teaching combines illustrated lectures, slide presentations, activities and group discussion, with handouts provided to support the session.

What you'll learn

• Describe different ways elite women engaged with the arts during the Renaissance.
• Identify social, political and religious factors influencing female patronage and collecting.
• Discuss how artworks associated with women reflected ideas about gender, family and status.

Is this course right for you?

The course is suitable for learners at all levels. Participation involves following written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information, as well as contributing to group discussion.

• Includes tutor-led teaching alongside activities and group discussion.
• Learners should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions.

Before you go

• Handouts are provided.
• A notebook may be useful for taking notes.
• Books from any reading list provided may be purchased.