Italian Art: Risorgimento to Mussolini

When & Where

28 April 2023 - 19 May 2023 ( 6 hours, 4 weeks )
Morning, Friday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor Kathleen Mclauchlan
Course Code W22PDGB08C
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Over three terms, this course charts a vibrant and tumultuous period in Italian art and politics. Starting with the Risorgimento, when Italy achieved its unity and independence, we trace the close interaction between the country’s art and politics from the mid-19th century through to the 1930s, when Mussolini looked to contemporary artists to support his Fascist regime. We also consider Italy’s wider contribution to the development of European modernism: the work of the Macchiaioli in 19th-century Tuscany (notably Giovanni Fattori and Telemaco Signorini); the early history of the Venice Biennale; divisionist masters including Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo and Angelo Morbelli; Italian artists in Paris from Boldini to Modigliani, the work of early Surrealist Giorgio de Chirico, and Italian Futurism from Umberto Boccioni to Tullio Crali.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Describe at least two characteristics of Italian art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries
Gain a basic framework for the development of European art in the early modern period
Be able to identify the methods and interests of individual masters like Giuseppe Abbati, Giovanni Boldini, Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo, Giacomo Balla and Tullio Crali.
Examine the relationships between artists, collectors and institutions
Gain confidence in asking questions and taking part in group discussion

Cost

Full fee

£55

Concession fee

£40

Class format and activities

The 2 hours, offered both in class and online through Microsoft Teams, will be taught in an informal lecture/ discussion format with presentations shared on screen. There will be a 10-minute break in the middle of the session. You are encouraged to engage in discussion and lecture materials will be shared by email. Constructive and supportive feedback from your tutor will help you succeed during the class.

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements. This course will be accessible to you if you have no prior knowledge of art and design and is open to learners with varying backgrounds, as well as art practitioners.

What you need to know before you enrol

This is a ‘hybrid’ course, offered in class and online. Teaching materials will be delivered via email and an online system: Microsoft Teams. Instructions and support will be sent out before the course start date by your tutor via email.

What you need

You will need access to the internet and a computer (desktop, laptop, tablet or iPad) that allows you to view images in a good size and quality. Your device will have a (built-in) microphone so you can join in discussions, and ideally have a camera so we can see each other in class. You will find it helpful to bring a paper and pen for making notes. You may also want to upload materials and links to share with your class

What you can do next

We offer a range of long and short courses in art history at Morley and cover a range of periods and subjects of interest. You may like to opt for a lecture based programme online or in the college or one where you visit galleries and study the art and artefacts in situ (subject to Covid 19 restrictions). You can browse our full programme by searching "art history" on our website.