Art-Arch 4002 - The Decorative Aesthetic in Modernism, 1860-1960

Institution:

Washington University in St Louis

Subject:

Description:

In the criticism of modern art, decoration and decorative have often been used as pejorative terms, designating art that has no intellectual basis but is merely pleasing, intended to fill space, and delight the eye. But in the late 19th century, these terms carried important cultural value and opened the door to significant experiments in abstraction. Moreover, the decoration of a public space or surface may have political implications. This course investigates decoration and theories of "the decorative" in modern art in Europe and the United States, with special attention to the evolution of ideas of modernism in both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional environments. We also consider some of the political meanings that may be borne by both public mural painting and domestic decoration, as well as easel painting that aspires to conditions of the decorative. Key figures include Puvis de Chavannes, Morris, the Nabis, Van de Velde, Monet, Matisse, the Mexican muralists, Pollock, and Shapiro. Prerequisite: Art-Arch 211(Introduction to Modern Art) or any 300-level course in Art History, or permission of instructor.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.wustl.edu

Phone Number:

(314) 935-5000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.