Physique and Face: Transforming the Body in Nineteenth-Century France (P00277)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : ACE-P-P00277

This course will explore the representation of the human figure in France during the 19th century. The focus on one country allows for in-depth study of the shifting patterns of a single culture. It will focus on the period 1840-1900, for which the secondary literature is extensive, and which will permit the close study of works of art in Edinburgh public collections. The human figure will be studied from a number of iconographical, stylistic and theoretical viewpoints. It will be an inter-disciplinary course, involving not only wide-ranging socio-historical material but also the study of contemporary literature. At its core will be the analysis of visual art of quality and variety, from Ingres to Toulouse-Lautrec, from Manet to Gauguin.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

History of Art, (School of Arts, Culture and Environment, Schedule A)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

? Additional Class Information : Semester 1 or 2, Th at times to be arranged

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

To analyse the representations and explore interpretations of the human figure in French painting c.1820-1990. To evaluate the role of cultural forces - gender, class, politics, fashion, etc - in shaping representations of the body. To situate the social formation of the body in relation to aesthetic issues, notably problems of style, tradition, art education, etc. To study original works of art in relation to these concerns.

Assessment Information

Principal means of assessment is a 4,000 word essay. In addition each candidate's performance will be monitored through the presentation of seminar material.