Velázquez in context (U04408)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : ACE-3-U04408

This course aims to give students an understanding of the career of Velázquez as painter, courtier and agent to Philip IV in the context of 17th century Spanish culture. His entire oeuvre is examined, from his early still life paintings and religious works dating from his period in Seville to his final great works at the court of Philip IV in Madrid. While focus is on Velázquez, the course does not consider his work in isolation: the contributions Velázquez made to all genres of painting (still-life, portraiture and history painting) invites comparison with other artists (including non-Spanish painters), such as Aertson, Beuckelaer, Antonis Mor, Titian, Tintoretto and Rubens. Velázquez’ innovative approaches to painting inevitably demand consideration of theoretical writings (for instance by Pacheco, Carducho or Boschini). The course is interdisciplinary in the sense that dynamics between poetry, theatre, music and the visual arts at the Spanish court, as practiced by Velázquez, are explored. One seminar concentrates on the dialogue between the poets Gongora and Quevedo, the playwright Calderón de la Barca and Velázquez. We also consider the role of music and instruments in Velázquez’ work. Velázquez’ special relationship with Philip IV and his role as agent, who selects and purchases works of art on behalf of the King, are addressed in a separate seminar. The subject of patronage and the artist’s status is revisited in a seminar dedicated to Velázquez’ chef d’oeuvre Las Meninas. This painting in particular stimulates critical discussion on different methodological approaches to Velázquez’ art. The final sessions consider Velázquez in relation to French and British nineteenth-century painting and the impact the artist made on the art of the 20th century with particular reference to Picasso.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : A pass in either History of Art 2 or Architectural History 2a and 2b.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

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

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
12/01/2009	12:00	13:00

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	12:10	13:00	Central

? Additional Class Information : In addition to the lecture timetabled above, there will be two tutorials on Tuesdays. One from 0900-1050 and one from 1110 to 1300. Students will be required to attend one of these.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

- Knowledge of the development of the career of Velázquez
- Connoisseurship of Velázquez work: visual and analytical skills to date and identify a work by Velázquez, or in the manner of Velázquez
- Understanding and awareness of the cultural and historical context in Spain during the Golden Age; ability to place and consider Velázquez’ career within this context.
- Comprehension of the dynamics between an artist and his patrons in early modern Europe.
- Understanding of Velazquez’ influence on later artists
- Critical engagement with scholarship on Velázquez and the different methodological approaches to his work
- Ability to make connections between art history and other disciplines