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 107-022 The Discourse of Icons: The Art of Byzantium

Note

Formerly available as 111-209/309. Students who have completed 111-209/309 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Availability

2nd and 3rd year

Credit Points

12.5

Coordinator

To be advised

Prerequisites

Usually 12.5 points of Art History at first year, see Prerequisites

Semester

Not Offered (view timetable)

Contact

A 1-hour lecture and a 1.5-hour seminar per week

Subject Description

This subject deals with the art of the Byzantine empire in centres such as Constantinople, Greece and Serbia, between the 8th and the 14th centuries. It takes as its focus the experience of the viewer within specific historical contexts - paying attention to the complex meanings of different types of icons (including panel painting, mosaic and fresco) and how these meanings were imparted. It also considers interactions between Byzantium and the West during this period, examining the use of icons and iconic images in cities like Sicily, Rome and Venice and questioning the shifts in meaning this may have engendered..

Assessment

An essay of 2500 words and a classpaper of 1500 words.

Prescribed Texts

  • R S Nelson, The Discourse of Icons: Then and Now. Art History Vol.12 no.2 June 1989, pp.144-157.
  • R Cormack, Writing in Gold: Byzantine Society and its Icons. London 1985.


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Status:                   Official 1999
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