Participants will visit the major museums and galleries of New York City to understand the key artistic movements in front of the physical artworks. This unique opportunity will provide students with the context to understand how these movements evolved throughout history.
While the course will focus mainly on Western art, participants will be exposed to global contexts as well. Content is predominantly focused on painting and sculpture, yet it will also cover applied arts and architecture.
Participants can expect to gain practical and intellectual skills from expert art scholars, such as how to conduct a visual analysis of an artwork, which will be of use beyond the walls of the classroom.
Demonstrate a broad understanding of changes in art movements ranging from ancient Greece through the mid-20th century
Recognise that Western art is only one type of production within global artmaking
Understand the basic theories and philosophies of art, as well as being able to competently discuss and communicate responses to artworks
Apply knowledge about art to the historical, cultural and economic context, and vice versa
Online Faculty
Dr. Giovanni Aloi is an art historian specializing in the history and theory of photography, representation of nature, and everyday objects in art. He has published with Columbia University Press, Phaidon, Laurence King, and Prestel and has been appointed co-editor of the University of Minnesota series Art after Nature. Since 2006, Dr. Aloi has been the Editor in Chief of Antennae: The Journal of Nature in Visual Culture. He is a radio contributor and a regular public speaker at the Art Institute of Chicago and Tate Galleries in London. He has co-curated exhibits, including photography, digital, and time-based media. Aloi is a faculty at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Sotheby’s Institute of Art New York where he lectures on the history of the art market and collecting.
Read MoreDay 1: Begin your exploration of the key movements in art history through a lecture on Classicism in ancient Greece. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art to study objects up close.
Day 2: Discover the Renaissance through the early 20th periods through a visit to the Frick Collection.
Day 3: Study art of the Enlightenment and the emergence of Neoclassicism, calling back to the Greek and Roman eras.
Day 4: Visit the Museum of Modern Art to study their vast collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and American art.
Day 5: Wrap up the course with a final lecture and celebratory luncheon.
Course participants take away in-depth and valuable insight into the current and future art world. Those who successfully complete their course will receive a certificate of completion from Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
Sotheby’s Institute of Art course participants come from all over the world, from a wide variety of backgrounds. As they study, travel, and explore the art world alongside each other throughout the program, fierce and long-lasting collaborations are frequently born. Individuals who complete these courses join our network of over 8,000 alumni around the globe who hold top positions at renowned art organizations.
We highly encourage participants with at least 3 years of post-graduate work experience for a smooth and successful course experience.
English Language Requirement
Course participants should be proficient in written and spoken English and be able to participate in group discussions and presentations in English.
Age Requirement
Courses are open to participants 18 years of age or older.
For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions.
We encourage interested individuals to book a consultation time with a member of our admissions team to learn more about this course and our registration process.
Please use this link to book a consultation time via phone or video call.