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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2010/2011
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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Arts, Culture and Environment : History of Art

Undergraduate Course: Velázquez in context (HIAR10078)

Course Outline
School School of Arts, Culture and Environment College College of Humanities and Social Science
Course type Standard Availability Available to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken) SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) Credits 20
Home subject area History of Art Other subject area None
Course website None Taught in Gaelic? No
Course description 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 It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed Architectural History 2A (ARHI08002) AND History of Art 2 (HIAR08012)
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisites Visiting students should have at least 3 History of Art courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level courses.
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1) WebCT enabled:  Yes Quota:  None
Location Activity Description Weeks Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
CentralSeminar1-11 14:00 - 15:50
First Class Week 1, Tuesday, 14:00 - 15:50, Zone: Central. Geddes Room Minto House
Exam Information
Exam Diet Paper Name Hours:Minutes Stationery Requirements Comments
Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May)2:0016 sides
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
Assessment Information
1 x two hour examination paper (50%) and 1 extended essay (50%)

Visiting Student Variant Assessment
2 x 2000 word essays
Special Arrangements
None
Additional Information
Academic description Not entered
Syllabus Not entered
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Not entered
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
Keywords Not entered
Contacts
Course organiser Miss Claudia Heide
Tel: (0131 6)51 1782
Email: c.heide@ed.ac.uk
Course secretary Mrs Sue Cavanagh
Tel: (0131 6)51 1460
Email: Sue.Cavanagh@ed.ac.uk
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copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh - 13 January 2011 6:07 am