Learning objectives
This course provides the methodological tools for the recognition of the subjects represented in the works analyzed in order to properly contextualize the meaning of the images in their historical and cultural context.
Course unit content
The course will be divided into two parts: the first will focus on the biblical and patristic texts as the primary source of the Medieval iconography; the second part will examine some Italian and European medieval works or manufacts to recognize characters and scenes depicted and, finally, to proceed to iconological analysis in order to understand, by a correct methodological approach, their meaning in the historical context.
Bibliography
For those who have never taken History of Medieval Art is required the study of a handbook (except Argan’s one) from the Arch oh Costantine to Giotto included.
For those who have already taken History of Medieval Art and have attended the course:
J. BASCHET, L’iconografia medievale, Milano, Jaca Book, 2014
W. SCHENKLUHN, Iconografia e iconologia dell’architettura medievale, in L’arte medievale nel contesto. 300-1300. Funzioni, iconografia, tecniche, a cura di P. Piva, Milano, Jaca Book, 2006, pp. 59-78
M. BACCI, L’effige sacra e il suo spettatore, in Arti e storia nel Medioevo. III Del vedere: pubblici, forme e funzioni, a cura di E. Castelnuovo, G. Sergi, Torino, Einaudi, 2004, pp. 199-252.
For those who do not attend the course, they have to add:
Y. CHRISTE, L’iconografia e il ruolo dell’esegesi, in L’arte medievale nel contesto. 300-1300. Funzioni, iconografia, tecniche, a cura di P. Piva, Milano, Jaca Book, 2006, pp. 275-292.
J. YARZA LUACES, I grandi programmi iconografici, Arti e storia nel Medioevo. III Del vedere: pubblici, forme e funzioni, a cura di E. Castelnuovo, G. Sergi, Torino, Einaudi, 2004, pp. 85-143.
G. ORTALLI, Comunicare con le figure, in Arti e storia nel Medioevo. III Del vedere: pubblici, forme e funzioni, a cura di E. Castelnuovo, G. Sergi, Torino, Einaudi, 2004, pp. 477-518.
Teaching methods
The teaching will mainly consist of lectures using an array of images prepared for each lesson. Besides the teacher will provide readings on the most relevant topics and will lead plenary discussions with the students referring to a series of articles and critical essays on particular issues for which will be organized weekly seminars.
Assessment methods and criteria
Students should be able to recognize the main medieval iconographies and their biblical and patristic sources. At the same time, they should be able to understand the meanings in relation to the cultural context in which they have developed. During the lectures an active participation is expected. The final oral examination will consist of the analysis of the proposed works during the course, in light of the critical literature indicated in the bibliography.
