With only two of the ten sessions run as in-person lectures, it predominantly takes the form of site visits to London’s major galleries, where we will discuss works of art in front of the objects themselves to further understand their place within the context of a broader art history. The course also includes expert guest speakers to further enhance participants’ knowledge.
This course will focus mainly on Western art, but participants will be exposed to global contexts as well. While content is based around painting and sculpture, we will also consider applied arts in thinking about the stylistic norms and changes to create a wider understanding of art history. Participants can expect to gain practical and intellectual skills, such how to conduct a visual analysis of an artwork, as well as transferable skills and a knowledge and understanding of art that is useful beyond the walls of the classroom.
Demonstrate a broad understanding of changes in art making from ancient Greece to the contemporary period in terms of materials, methods and ways of seeing
Recognise that Western art is only one type of production within global artmaking
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 MoreDay 1: Begin your exploration of the key movements in art history through a fundamental lecture on Classicism in ancient Greece. Visit the Victoria & Albert Museum to study objects up close.
Day 2: Discover the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods through a visit to the National Gallery.
Day 3: Pick up from the Baroque period with an exploration of the Wallace Collection. Study art of the Enlightenment and the emergence of Neoclassicism, calling back to the Greek and Roman eras.
Day 4: Visit the Courtauld Collection and Tate Britain to study their vast collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and British art.
Day 5: Wrap up the course with all the ‘isms’ from the avant-garde to the post-war period at Tate Modern.
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.