The significance of the mercantile Netherlands and the Counter-Reformation art of the Baroque will be explored, followed by the ways in which the competing notions of the classical and romantic were played out in the newly-founded French Academy. The programme will progress through the Rococo culture that introduced a new feeling of lightness in the mid-18th century, which fired a return of an archeologically-driven Neoclassicism that survived into the industrial age. It will finish with the philosophical changes that drove the Romantic movement and presaged the move towards realism.
Demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of art from the High Renaissance to Realism
Learn about different types of art forms from these periods and how they influenced future work, from architecture and sculpture to painting and drawing
Consider art within the wider context of circulation, curation, display, and consumption
Understand broad theories or 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
Course Leader, Summer Program, London
Viv Lawes is an author, journalist, lecturer and curator with over 25 years’ experience in the art market. She studied History at York University and graduated with an MA in Fine and Decorative Art from Sotheby’s Institute in 1997, where her thesis focused on the textile trade between England and India/ China in the 17th and 18th centuries. Learn more...
Read MoreWeek 1: High Renaissance Italy - Florence and Venice
Week 2: Baroque art in Italy and the Netherlands
Week 3: The French Academy in the 17th Century
Week 4: Froth and Frivolity: Rococo art, c.1720-1760
Week 5: The Return to the Ancient Past: Neoclassicism, c.1760-1820
Week 6: The Invention of Aesthetics and Romanticism, c.1790-1840
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 past participants around the globe who hold top positions at renowned art organizations.
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. It is recommended that participants have the equivalent level of IELTS score of 6.0 /TOEFL score of 78 IBT, however evidence of test scores is not required to register.
Age Requirement
Courses are open to participants 18 years of age or older, however, we prefer that students have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience to be able to properly engage in the course.
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.