Lecture 1 - An Introduction to Western Art: From Byzantium to the 13th Century
We begin our journey after the fall of the Roman empire, venturing into the glories of Byzantium. We're time-traveling via the Carolingian renaissance in Aachen – heading into what some wrongfully call “the Dark Ages”. We will take an up-close look at golden mosaics of Ravenna as we make our way into the Palatine Chapel of Charlemagne. This iconic pilgrimage site is where religious art first starts to shape itself in a truly unique western language of art and architecture.
Lecture 2 - Courtiers and Burghers of Europe: Medieval Artistry
In our second installment, the story turns Gothic; cities and courts become important, and a middle class of Burghers brings a level of prosperity hitherto unknown in Europe. From the magnificent Cathedrals of France and England, Medieval Miniatures, and ravishing Reliquaries, it will be a remarkable journey to behold.
Lecture 3 - Tradition and Innovation: The 15th Century in Italy
We’ll have a front-row seat as the Italians (literally) dig up their past for reinterpretation, and the Italian Renaissance is begun. From the experiments of Leonardo, the virtuosity of Mantegna, and the mysterious creations of Piero della Francesca we will together venture into this Golden Age of Italian Art.
Lecture 4 - Tradition and Innovation: The 15th Century in Northern Europe
Our fourth conversation will examine the artistic revolution that takes place in Flanders. We’ll discover how the Flemish 'Primitives' changed the way art was made forever. Our expert will reveal the majestic creations of Jan van Eyck, as well as those by lesser-known painters and craftsmen, as we journey to the Duchy of Burgundy.
Lecture 5 - Harmony Attained Between Light and Colour: Italian Art in the 16th Century
It's the turn of the high renaissance, as artists in different regions of Italia find their own ways to tell stories and express themselves. Together we’ll travel back in time to visit the courts of Italy to see the works of Rafael, Michelangelo, and their lesser-known but intriguing counterparts.
Lecture 6 - New Methodology Grows: Germany and the Netherlands in the 16th Century
The influence of Humanism and Protestantism looms large over 16th-century art, creating the oeuvres of Albrecht Durer, Hans Holbein, and many other Northern Masters. In this talk, we will go to Germany and the low countries to discuss the Northern Rennaisance
Lecture 7 - Visions of Power and Glory: Catholic Europe in the 17th Century
While the reformation changes the artistic and social landscape of the North, Catholic Italy hits back and hits back hard. The full force of the Baroque propaganda machine is the subject of this seminar, taking us to the Rome of the 17th century to meet Bernini, Caravaggio, and Artemisia Gentileschi – as well as some Flemish and Spanish artists like no less than Rubens and Velazquez.
Lecture 8 - Holding a Mirror to Nature: Holland in the 17th Century
The Dutch Golden Age is the specialty of Sabry Amroussi, and in this talk he will take you to the 17th-century cities of Delft, Amsterdam, and Haarlem to discuss legends like Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Hals, and put them in their proper context, intertwining paintings with architecture, objects, and historic tidbits of 17th century Holland
Lecture 9 - Towards an Age of Reason: England and France in the 18th Century
In our ninth conversation, we will enlighten ourselves (pun intended) with the art and culture of the 18th century in France and Britain. From the sweeping country estates and houses of England to the salons and castles of Paris, we will bear witness to a changing (and sometimes more rational) world where science and art take center stage.
Lecture 10 - Revolution in Permanence: Europe in the 19th Century
Finally, join us as revolutions sweep Europe and Romantic tendencies cast their long shadow in art and culture. With Delacroix and Gericault as important protagonists, we will travel just to the threshold of what we now would call modern art. There will be time interspersed between these lectures for participants to ask questions. But we’ll leave plenty of time here in our final installment for Q&A.