Special Topics in Medieval Art (329-0-1)
Topic
Medieval Mediterranean World
Instructors
Bihter Esener
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-335: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
This course explores the medieval Mediterranean world's art, architecture, archaeology, and material culture from late antiquity to the early modern period, or between the late 4th and 16th centuries. While the Renaissance blossomed in Italy in the 1400s, in this course we will investigate the medieval art and art forms that circulated among Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities around the Mediterranean until the 16th century. We will study the geographies of the Mediterranean Sea—including Italy, Spain, Egypt, North Africa, the Balkans, Anatolia, the Holy Land, and the Middle East—focusing on their rulers, kingdoms, merchants, craftsmen, pilgrims, and travelers in order to explore the means and spread of artistic and architectural patronage across the area. We also will explore the role of art and architecture in the sacred and secular lives of the region's Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities. Among others, we will learn about monuments (architecture, mosaics, wall paintings), objects (ceramics, metalwares, coins, and textiles), and historical texts to better understand the medieval Mediterranean's artistic, cultural, and political dynamics.
Class Materials (Required)
No textbook required.
Class Notes
Waitlist information can be found here: https://arthistory.northwestern.edu/courses/2024-2025/registration_waitlist.html
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area