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Art of France – Revolutionary Innovations: A Three Part Course with Sabry Amroussi

Art of France – Revolutionary Innovations: A Three Part Course with Sabry Amroussi


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Join art historian and writer Sabry Amroussi for this much-anticipated romp through the canon of French Art History–from the medieval Gothic Cathedrals, the haunting works of de la Tour and the Le Nain brothers, to the groundbreaking 'Belle Epoque' that paved the way for so many avant-garde movements like fauvism and cubism.

We will explore the history of French art, as we reveal how it emerged from a struggle between tradition and revolution, and rulers and citizens. Although by far not comprehensive, this three-part course will discuss both familiar artworks and personal favorites of Sabry Amroussi–telling a personal story of a lifelong relationship with French Art and Culture.
  • Explore our upcoming Art History seminars and courses here.
  • Explore Sabry Amroussi's additional upcoming seminars and courses here.

Lecture One – Foundations of French Art
Sabry Amroussi opens this series with the dramatic story of French art, a story of the most powerful kings ever to rule in Europe with their glittering palaces and astounding art to go in them. He also reveals how art emerged from a struggle between tradition and revolution, between rulers and a people who didn't always want to be ruled. Starting with the first great revolution in art, the invention of Gothic architecture, he traces its development up until the arrival of classicism and the Age of Enlightenment - and the very eve of the revolution. Along the way some of the greatest art the world has ever seen was born, including the paintings of Poussin, Watteau, and Chardin, the decadent rococo delights of Boucher, and the great history paintings of Charles le Brun.

Lecture Two – Revolution and Romanticism
Join Sabry as he explores how art in France took a dramatic turn following the French Revolution that ushered in a bold new world. From the execution of King Louis XVI and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte - a figure who simultaneously repelled and inspired artists of his time - through to the rise of Romanticism and the art of seduction, sex, and high drama, Sabry explores artists including Jacques-Louis David - whose art appeared on the barricades and in the streets - as well as the work of Delacroix, Ingres, and the tragic but brilliant Theodore Gericault.

Lecture Three – French Impressionism
In the final episode, Sabry Amroussi begins with the impressionists. He plunges into one of the most wildly creative periods in the history of art, when France was changing at a rapid pace and angry young artists would reinvent how to paint, finding their muses in the bars, brothels, and cabarets of belle epoque Paris and turning the world of art on its head. Monet, Degas, and friends launched a febrile conversation about the role of painting in the modern world that would pave the way for just about every modern art movement of note, from the cubists to the Fauves, from the surrealists to the existentialists and from conceptual artists to the abstract expressionists. 

Sabry Amroussi is an art historian and writer living and working in Amsterdam. He specializes in the art of the Dutch Golden Age, mainly in the works of Rembrandt and his school, and has a keen interest in the Jewish history of Amsterdam. He lectures and teaches on both subjects and gives art historical tours all across Europe. As a true omnivore when it comes to art, culture, and even cuisine, he has worked with and for major museums and collectors, such as the LACMA, Rijksmuseum, van Gogh Museum and the P de Boer collection in Amsterdam. As a guide for Context, he is eager to share this knowledge in real life, always with a big scoop of humor, ofter intermingling art with social life, cuisine, and history.

How does it work?
This is a three-part series held weekly and hosted on Zoom. Please check the schedule for the specific dates and times for each lecture. 

When will I receive the Zoom link?
Your link to enter the Zoom room will be the same for all three sessions. It will be sent to the email address used to place your order 30 minutes prior to each lecture's start time.

Is there a reading list in advance?
Though the course is open to participants with no background on this topic, there are suggested readings for further investigation. These will be provided at the course's conclusion.

How long are the lectures?
Each lecture is 90 minutes long with time for Q&A.

How much is the course?
The course is $105 USD for three lectures.

Is a recording available?
Yes. All registered participants will be sent a recording link within 48 hours of each session's conclusion.

Are there additional seminars, courses, and in-person experiences being led by Sabry Amroussi?
Yes!  Sabry Amroussi will be leading several virtual experiences in the coming weeks. Details are available here.

Additionally, Sabry will be leading a Context Journey in Amsterdam in 2022. Context Journeys are multi-day, small group tours in cultural capitals all over the world. Expertly crafted to take learners to the heart of a destination, our Journeys take logistics and planning off of your plate as you uncover the history, art, and culture of your chosen destination. For additional details, please click here.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 10 reviews
90%
(9)
10%
(1)
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N
N.L. (Rhinebeck, US)
The advent of the modern in French Art

This was a marvelous 3-part series. Although he made us aware of context, this was no little survey of art's part in change. It was a thrilling, always intelligent confrontation with specific and important works of French art, especially 1880-1930. I hope he offers it again; his insights could lead to publication, of course.

M
M.S. (Vancouver, CA)

Guest did not leave comment

L
L.A.D. (Evanston, US)
Lisa Dimberg Art of France Part 3 Review

This was a fitting end to the Art of France course - wonderful examples of artists and paintings from the different time periods from the late 19th century to mid 20th century and fascinating background information!

P
P.R. (Québec, CA)
A feast

Sabry is so full of energy and knowledge that time flies in an instant !

L
L.A.D. (Evanston, US)
Lisa Dimberg Art of France Part 2 Review

This was another extremely entertaining and educational lecture by Sabry!

Customer Reviews

Based on 10 reviews
90%
(9)
10%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
N
N.L. (Rhinebeck, US)
The advent of the modern in French Art

This was a marvelous 3-part series. Although he made us aware of context, this was no little survey of art's part in change. It was a thrilling, always intelligent confrontation with specific and important works of French art, especially 1880-1930. I hope he offers it again; his insights could lead to publication, of course.

M
M.S. (Vancouver, CA)

Guest did not leave comment

L
L.A.D. (Evanston, US)
Lisa Dimberg Art of France Part 3 Review

This was a fitting end to the Art of France course - wonderful examples of artists and paintings from the different time periods from the late 19th century to mid 20th century and fascinating background information!

P
P.R. (Québec, CA)
A feast

Sabry is so full of energy and knowledge that time flies in an instant !

L
L.A.D. (Evanston, US)
Lisa Dimberg Art of France Part 2 Review

This was another extremely entertaining and educational lecture by Sabry!