The course aims to provide a basic knowledge of the history of art in Italy, in Europe and in the Mediterranean between the fourth and fourteenth centuries, i.e. from the paleochristian period until the early modern era, through the analysis of some exemplary cases with regard to the Western and Byzantine cultural spheres. The most peculiar  problems relating to periodization, historiography and methodology will be addressed, as well artistic trends, artists, monuments and artifacts willl be examined and contextualised.

The course has a fundamentally historical structure and provides for a discussion of the topics according to a path that respects and clarifies the chronological succession of the different expressions of the artistic culture of the medieval age, namely:

- Late Antique and Early Christian Age

- The dismantling of the Roman Empire and the growth of barbarian populations.

- The formation of new centers of power in central Europe: the art of the Carolingian and Ottonian empires (VIII-X centuries).

- Europe in the year 1000 and the birth of Romanesque

- Gothic art and architecture in the XIII and XIV centuries in Europe and in Italy: the great innovations in monumental painting and sculpture

Within this structure which generally outlines the artistic development of the historical period, peculiar themes of medieval art and their perception in later ages will be highlighted and studied in a specific way, through significant case studies, also in relation to the various theories and practices of restoration adopted over time. The selected topics, for further study of which a specific bibliography will be provided, are the following:

Fortune of the Middle Ages: from Vasari's condemnation of medieval artistic expressions on an aesthetic and formal level to their progressive re-evaluation for religious instances and for the definition of national identities.

The spaces of the liturgy: articulation and evolution of the buildings intended for worship in relation to the changes in the liturgy (areas reserved for the clergy; systems of delimitation of the spaces; decoration of the altars; management of the spaces reserved for the cult of martyrdom).

The medieval workshop: organization of workers and definition of tasks in architectural workshops and in ateliers for the production of works of art.

Decisions and choices in making art: the role of the lay and ecclesiastical client; the figure of the concepteur who defines the decorative programs; limits and freedom in the artist's expression.

Restored Middle Ages, invented Middle Ages: theoretical approach, methods of intervention and execution practice in some historical restorations of medieval monuments and works of art, which determined the perception and built our image of the Middle Ages.

The students:

will demonstrate basic knowledge of the chronological articulation of the different phases of artistic production in the Middle Ages and the specific characteristics of the various stylistic currents, also in relation to different cultural influences, through  a correct and careful reading and understanding of the books of text;

will be able to apply their knowledge in order to succeed, through appropriate arguments, to compare and possibly correlate monuments and artifacts from different geographical and chronological areas;

will demonstrate to be able to mature independent judgments with respect to controversial chronological and attributive issues, through the collection and the critical examination of useful data

will show autonomy and effectiveness in exposing data and ideas assimilated during the lessons and study;

will improve the learning skills necessary to undertake independently the study of artistic production of the period after the Middle Ages.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

The teaching material and specific communications from the lecturer can be found, together with other supporting activities, inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

The course consists of lectures and a seminar-type activities.

Attendance

Though obviously well recommended, attendance is not mandatory. The attendance of at least two-thirds of the lessons is demanded in order to be considered as attending students.

Course books

For general preparation, students can make use of any Art History textbook used in secondary schools for the chronological period from the 4th to the 14th century. Among the many available it is recommended E. Tornaghi, Chiave di volta.2. Dal Tardo antico al Gotico internazionale, Torino Loescher 2018.

For the study of each of the thematic topics covered during the lessons, a series of essays and articles, also in English, will be made available on the moodle platform. For the exam, the study of at least five of these texts is required; they will be chosen freely, with the suggestion of distributing the choice among all the topics covered in the lessons

Assessment

The exam will consist of an oral exam based on the Assessment of the study text; during the test the images in the textbook and the power point presentation shown during the lessons will be used. These power point will be made available by the teacher by loading on the moodle platform where students can freely consult

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Individual study

Course books

For general preparation, students can make use of any Art History textbook used in secondary schools for the chronological period from the 4th to the 14th century. Among the many available it is recommended E. Tornaghi, Chiave di volta.2. Dal Tardo antico al Gotico internazionale, Torino Loescher 2018.

A. Monciatti, Il nuovo nell'arte medievale. Temi, percorsi, rappresentazioni, De Luca Editori d'Arte 2023.

Assessment

The exam consists of an oral exam based on the Assessment of the study texts; during the test the images in textbooks will be used.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.