Dr. Rocky Ruggiero

This course traces the art, architecture and historical events in Italy from Roman Antiquity through the early Renaissance. Through an in-depth analysis of selected works of art and architecture from throughout Italy, along with those social, economic and political factors that helped shape them, students will acquire a profound understanding of Italian culture from ancient times to their reflowering in the Renaissance. Particular emphasis will be given to those Italian cities that contributed significantly to the shaping of an Italian cultural identity, which in turn serves as a major pillar of western civilization.

Course Objectives:
· To learn to appreciate the rich and influential aspects of Italian art and architecture from antiquity through the early Renaissance.
To bring a historical period to life through a “hands on” approach to the monuments and works produced during this specific period known as the Renaissance.
· To develop the fundamental skills of art historical analysis that include formal analysis and iconographic interpretation.
· To develop an ability to interact in a personal and intimate manner with works of art and their surroundings.

PART 1 – The Ancient Roman World

Lecture 1 – The Founding of Rome and the Dawn of an Empire: Romulus, Remus, and Julius Caesar
This lecture will examine the foundation myth of Ancient Rome and how it reflects those critical historical and social factors that contributed to making Rome the most absolute empire in history. We will then examine the rise to power of Julius Caesar and the transformation of the Roman Republic into an Empire.

Lecture 2 - This lecture will explore the most decadent period in ancient Roman history when emperors provided both lavish foods and spectacular entertainment to the citizens of Rome. We shall also analyze the architecture and reconstruct the engineering marvels of the mother of all amphitheaters – the Colosseum – while also discussing the jaw-dropping spectacles and bloody contests that took place inside.

PART 2 – Late Antiquity and the Byzantine Empire

Lecture 3 – The Architectural Marvels of Imperial Rome: The Pantheon, the Basilica and Arch of Constantine
This lecture will examine and analyze the ancient Roman temple that has been described as the most perfectly designed architectural monument in history: The Pantheon. We will also address the rise of Christianity in the Roman world and the critical role that Emperor Constantine played in changing the world forever.

Lecture 4 – The Sparkling Mosaics of Ravenna
In this lecture, we shall survey the fascinating history of Ravenna that shaped the city’s most recognizable artistic marvels, its glorious mosaics. No medium better embodies the glory and mystery of both Byzantine culture and Early Christian iconography than does this painstaking technique of inserting tiny colored-glass tiles—or tesserae—into wet plaster to produce figurative and decorative imagery. In fact, the basilica of San Vitale houses perhaps the most famous mosaic in the world depicting the Empress Theodora and her court.

PART 3 – The Medieval World

Lecture 5 – Tuscan Romanesque Architecture: San Miniato al Monte, Florence Baptistry, and Pisa Cathedral
This lecture will explore the architecture and history of three of the most celebrated Romanesque churches of medieval Europe. Consecrated in 1018 CE, the thousand-year-old Romanesque church of San Miniato in Florence houses an eclectic mix of artistic styles inside of a distinctly mysterious and mystical atmosphere. We will also explore the history and architecture of Florence Baptistry, which is the Romanesque building that has always been the heart of Florentine society and tradition. Finally, we shall examine the great Romanesque architectural monuments of the Tuscan city of Pisa. From its majestic marble cathedral, to its elegant circular baptistry, Pisa is home to some of the greatest architecture of the Middle Ages.

Lecture 6 – The Pulpits of Nicola Pisano in Pisa and Siena
This lecture will examine two of the most extraordinary sculptures of the Middle Ages. Nicola Pisano revolutionized sculpture in the 13th century by introducing drama, psychology, classical motifs, anatomy, and movement. Although few works exist by the great sculptor, he would not only inspire later masters such as Donatello and Michelangelo but was just as important in his own day.

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- Unlimited lifetime access
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Rent:
- Unlimited access for 30 days
- Download videos to watch offline
- Available on Apple and Android