Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Bernini

Taking as its focus a close consideration of three major Italian artists - Michelangelo, Caravaggio and Bernini - this course will examine the development of significant artistic movements from the High Renaissance to the Baroque. Michelangelo Buonarroti's genius in painting, sculpture and architecture epitomises the 16th century High Renaissance, but at the same time his achievements paved the way for the Baroque style. The Baroque will be examined through the work of two of the most innovative and original artists of the 17th century: Caravaggio and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The dramatic suprarealistic paintings of Caravaggio will be related to his equally dramatic lifestyle. The impact of Caravaggio's style in Northern Europe will receive particular attention. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, whose name has become synonymous with the High Baroque, produced sculpture and architecture which can be read as compelling visual embodiments of the Roman Catholic counter-Reformation and the idea of the 'Church Triumphant', as well as of secular absolutism. Lectures in the classroom, on-site visits in Florence as well as a 1-day field trip to Rome will provide the student with a detailed knowledge of the three artists and their oeuvre within the context of political, religious and social history