107-048 Art, Society & Ritual in Medieval Italy

Usually 12.5 points of first year art history, see Prerequisites,

The emphasis of this subject is on the visual material associated with devotional practices and civic and religious rituals within the broad social framework of 13th and 14th century Italy. It considers the form and function of the artwork in relation to its inherent social and ritual context. Specific works will be examined in order to ascertain the various meanings they conveyed to the original patrons and a broader audience. Students should complete the subject with a knowledge of key works of 13th and 14th century Italian art and architecture, and an understanding of the importance of certain civic and religious rituals for a contextual interpretation of the work of art.