About this Event
Course Tutor: Dr Alison Barker PhD FHEA MA BA (Hons)
Why take this course?
The Renaissance was one of the most exciting periods in European history, a time when artists, thinkers and patrons began to look again at the ancient world, the human body, nature, science, faith and power. This course brings that world to life through ten remarkable works of art, from Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel frescoes to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling.
Each session focuses on a major artwork, sculpture or building, using it as a doorway into the people, places and ideas of the time. Guided by your tutor, Dr Alison Barker, you will explore famous names including Giotto, Jan van Eyck, and Donatello, as well as cities such as Florence, Venice, Rome, Siena, Padua and Ravenna. The course also looks beyond paintings to include frescoes, sculpture and architecture.
You will gain a clearer understanding of what made the Renaissance so powerful and why its art still speaks to us today. You will build confidence in looking closely at artworks, asking good questions and understanding how religion, humanism, ambition, beauty and invention shaped some of the greatest works ever made.
This is a live, tutor led course. Learning with like-minded people, there will be lots of opportunities to share your own knowledge and ideas and to hear from others.
No previous knowledge is needed, just an interest in the topic and a willingness to explore and share ideas.
Course Outline:
Week 1: Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel (1303-5)
Week 2: Florence’s Baptistery Doors and the Ghiberti-Brunelleschi competition (1425-52)
Week 3: Jan Van Eyck’s Ghent Altarpiece (1432)
Week 4: Donatello’s David (1435-40)
Week 5: Benozzo Gozzoli’s Procession of the Magi (1459)
Since 1903 the WEA have been delivering on our charitable mission - to bring lifelong learning within reach of everybody who needs it.
Today, we continue to empower adults by delivering great teaching across England and Scotland, reaching tens of thousands of learners each year.
We believe in keeping group sizes down, making it easier for you to speak up, get to know your fellow learners and get actively involved in learning and sharing your own expertise.
Event venue & nearby stays
Reading Rooms, 73 High Street, Billericay, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.