ARHI 60521 - The Art of Mythology

Institution:

University of Notre Dame

Subject:

Art History

Description:

This cross-disciplinary class is an exploration of the representation of classical myth in Western art and literature, ranging from the seventh century B.C.E. to the 18th century C.E. Beginning with mythological subjects in the political and religious sculpture, temple architecture and vase decoration of Ancient Greece, we will move on to study Roman painting and sculpture, medieval Ovidian allegory, the Renaissance reinvention of classical types and 18th-century neo-classicism. We will compare literary and visual narratives, evaluating the discursive modes of each, and analyzing how and why poets, philosophers, artists, sculptors, and architects selected and adapted the episodes that they did. Primary readings will include selections from Greek and Roman epic, lyric and dramatic poetry, Greek and Roman philosophical mythology, and early analyses of the relationship between art and myth such as Philostratus' Eikones. Among the artistic works that we will examine will be Raphael's Roman cycles, Bellini and Titian's poesie, and Bernini's sculpted dramas. We will consider the erudite contexts for such works, including gardens, drawing rooms, princely residences, and civic institutions. We will discuss the connection between political power and myth, and concepts such as heroism, metamorphosis, and earthly and divine love. One aim of this class will be to identify the explanatory character of myth, and of story-telling within culture, as means of historical self-understanding, self-revelation, and catharsis.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.nd.edu

Phone Number:

(574) 631-5000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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