GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

This course, based on two different parts, theory and practice, is an introduction to art in Spain over the past five hundred years, focusing on certain key topics and periods that help to map out the particular nature of Spanish artistic culture. Special emphasis will be placed on the works of artists as Velázquez, Goya, Picasso, Miró and Dalí. This course includes visits to the Prado Museum, and the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía that will take place at the dates appointed in the afternoon.

CONTENTS

1. Introduction: Introduction and presentation of the course. Looking at paintings: the analysis of a picture. Basic artistic elements: light and color; volume and perspective; visual perceptions.

2. Spanish Medieval art and the Renaissance.

3. El Greco: religious paintings and portraits.

4. Class at the Prado Museum (El Greco, Velázquez, Goya).

5. The Baroque period
Basic characteristics and an overview of the works of Ribera, Murillo and Zurbarán.

6. Velázquez:
Official portraits and Historic works
Customs and mythology

7. The Neoclassic period and the new tendencies in architecture, sculpture, and painting.

8. Class at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

9. Goya:
Tapestries and popular topics
Portraits and historic works
Prints and the Black period

10. The change of the century: new trends: Impressionism, Symbolism…; Picasso.

11. Surrealism: Miró and Dalí.

12. Final Exam.

EVALUATION

• 33% oral participation in class
• 33% taskwork
• 34% exams

Class attendance is mandatory. Unjustified absences will NEGATIVELY affect the final mark.