The course examines the effects of technological developments over time and the nature of the global contemporary. At its heart is the discipline of art history and its place within the art ecosystem. Skills essential to the practical operations of the art world such as authentication, conservation, and display are studied through the experiences of guest speakers who are professionals in the art world. Understanding the history of art and the practices associated with its display is crucial to confidently navigate the art world either as a professional or as a serious collector of art.
This course incorporates both in-classroom teaching and on-site visits to a wide spectrum of art world institutions where students can practice their visual analysis skills in front of the original works of art. Visits include artist studios, museums, foundations, private museums, and both established and emerging commercial galleries.
Reading Week: March 3 – 7
We are offering two intensive courses during the reading week that can be taken in conjunction with Art History:
Lectures from leading industry professionals
A wide variety of site visits, from leading London museums to walking tours of street art and a conservation studio
Develop an understanding of how art history has led the art world to its current space through an exploration of its major movements
An insider's look at art restoration, conservation and provenance as it pertains to the study of art history and its future
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: Gain an overview of the discipline of art history and a basic introduction to the art market. Visit the British Museum.
Week 2: Explore the Medieval and Renaissance periods, including the role of patronage in European cultural centres. Visit the National Gallery to see masterpieces from these periods, examining their cultural, technical and economic histories.
Week 3: Discover Baroque and Rococo art, as well as the Enlightenment and Neoclassical art. Visit the Wallace Collection and the Sir John Soane's Museum to further understand the development of aesthetics, art criticism and public museums around these periods.
Week 4: Discuss the rise of Romanticism, Landscape and the Barbizon school, as well as the transition from Realism to Impressionism and the rise of art dealers and alternative exhibition spaces. Visit Tate Britain to examine British artists' contributions to these movements.
Week 5: Understand the impact of Japanese art and Photography on Impressionism and beyond. Visit the Courtauld Collection to see Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artwork.
Week 6: Discover Cubism and its legacy, as well as German Expressionism, Dada and Surrealism. See examples of Futurism at the Estorick Collection.
Week 7: Visit Tate Britain to understand British Modernist movements, and then visit Tate Modern to discover examples of Abstract Impressionism and the international art market's role in the promotion and valuation of the style.
Week 8: Explore Post-War art movements and Postmodernism, including concepts of the Contemporary and the Global. Visit Whitechapel Gallery and hear from a contemporary art curator.
Week 9: Discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in the art world, including Modern and Contemporary Art in China and Southeast Asia, as well as Africa. Visit commercial galleries around London.
Week 10: Gain insight into how technology is reshaping art creation, dissemination, and the market through Digital Art, New Media, and the emergence of NFTs. Discuss the importance of Street Art and its impact on contemporary art and the market. Take a walking tour of London's street art.
Week 11: Discover the importance of provenance research in the art market and museum spaces and discuss ethical issues in the art market. Take an all-day visit to Oxford’s Pitt Rivers and Ashmolean Museums to focus on cases of restitution and the ethical responsibilities of institutions.
Week 12: Explore conservation practices, technological developments and their contribution to art history and the market, in addition to a visit to a conservation studio. Present final projects and wrap-up the course.
For individuals looking for an expansive grounding in the art world, Art History can be paired with the 12 week Art Business course to create a full time (4 days per week) schedule of study over the course of a semester at a discounted tuition rate (Art Business/Art History)
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.
For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions.
Course participants take away in-depth and valuable insight into the current and future art world, to be sufficiently prepared for a wide-ranging career within the art industry. 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 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.