A survey of major works of art from prehistoric times through the present. Painting, sculpture and architecture are examined in the context of their time and place in history. Special attention is given to the art and culture of Seville. Conducted in English.
OBJETIVES
In this course we will cover the history of Spanish art, studying the influence of
different peoples and civilizations in Spanish art. This influence is clear in the city of
Sevilla. In a practical and active way (with frequent visits to sites of historical-artistic
interest), we will pay special attention to the decisive periods for the formation Spain’s
and Sevilla’s identity: Hispanic-Muslim art, the Gothic, and the Baroque (although we
will start our survey in Ancient times and finish in the Contemporary age).
In this way, we will give greater emphasis to Islamic culture in contact with
Western Europe, and the legacy of eight centuries in art; we will cover in depth the
Gothic period, that has given Sevilla its cathedral, continuing with the Baroque,
focusing on Sevilla in the Golden Century, with its contradictions, excesses and
unquestionable artistic production.
In addition to this historical survey of Spain’s art, we will work with a specific
vocabulary relevant for the study of art in general, for painting, sculpture, architecture.
Art is representative of a people and their time, so we will study and discuss the
historical and social context for each period.
CLASS FORMAT
Each unit will start with a presentation of the period’s historical outline and the
general artistic context in Spain, followed by contact the different works. Fieldtrips will
enhance our understanding of each unit, by seeing the different paintings, sculptures and
buildings (normally, we will not be allowed to touch them). Every class period will rely
heavily on the projection of slides or videos.
There will be a midterm exam and a final exam. Students will work on articles,
books relevant for specific areas of Spanish Art assigned by the instructor, and write a
report on them. This report will be 2-3 pages long, using MS WORD and TIMES NEW
ROMAN 12 font, and will be double-spaced. Additionally, students will give a short a
oral presentation on their reports. Due dates will be announced. Field trips in Seville
and surrounding area will be key elements in this course, in order to see in situ
monuments, buildings, works of art, and places relevant to our course. Field trips will
be announced with due notice. They are mandatory for members of this course.
HANDBOOK
Abrantes, Fernández, Manzarbeitia (1999) Arte español para extranjeros. Ed. Nerea
ADDITIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY
Barral i Altet, X. (1998) Art and Architecture of Spain.
Hillenbrand, R. (1999) Islamic Art and Architecture.
Martin, R. (2004) Diccionario de Mitología Clásica.
*Moffit, J.F. (1999) The Arts in Spain
Murray, P. & L. (1998) The Oxford Companion to Christian Art and Architecture.
GRADING
Oral participation is very important, and every student is expected to
contribute energetically and courteously. Attendance will be checked daily. The
participation grade will take into account the student’s initiative and creativity during
the different activities scheduled for the course.
The final grade is broken down as follows:
Participation 20%
Midterm 25%
Final exam 35%
Report & Oral Presentation 20%
SYLLABUS
Note: Pages indicated in each unit correspond to pages from our handbook Arte español
para extranjeros
Unit 0: Introduction. Course presentation. Art of the Iberian Peninsula before Roman
Domination.
Unit 1: Hispanic-Roman Art. (pp. 34-49). Roman rule and influx. Roman art in the
Iberian Peninsula. Architecture and public works. Roman sculpture. The mosaic.
Unit 2: Hispanic-Muslim Art. (pp. 25-52). The different historical and artistic phases,
from the Caliphate of Córdoba to the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada.
Unit 3: Gothic and Mudéjar Art. (pp. 105-127, 129-131). Gothic architecture,
painting, and sculpture. Mudéjar art: the permanence of Muslim art under Christian rule.
Unit 4: The Renaissance. (pp.135-157). External influences. Plateresco style.
Breakthroughs in painting and sculpture. Mannerism: El Greco.
Midterm
Unit 5: The Baroque period or artistic splendor of Seville. (pp.159-168). The art of
Counter-Reformation. Architecture and sculpture in the seventeenth and eighteenth
centuries.
Unit 6: Baroque painting. (pp.168-179) Ribera. Zurbarán. Velázquez. Valdés Leal.
Murillo.
Unit 7: Nineteenth century art. (pp.183-201). Neoclassicism. Francisco de Goya.
Unit 8: Twentieth century art. Modernist and regionalist architecture (pp. 215-219).
Picasso (225-232). Dalí (233-237). Miró (238-241).
Class Discussion and Review
Final Exam (to be scheduled)
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