Course overview

This 10-week course traces the radical changes in European art from 1850 to the mid-1880s. Beginning with Millet and Courbet’s realist challenge to academic traditions, we’ll explore how artists like Manet, Monet, and Degas revolutionised painting through new techniques, subjects, and compositions. As they did so, they often shocked the audience. Examining the social, political, and technological changes that fuelled these movements, we’ll uncover how modern art emerged in response to things such as modern urbanism, the development of the press, fashion and shopping, but also the invention of photography and commercialisation of the paint tube.

Course description

This 10-week course explores the birth of modern art in Europe, from the Realism of Millet and Courbet to the radical innovations of the Impressionists. As industrialisation, social reform, and political upheavals—such as the 1848 revolutions, the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, and the movement for women’s rights—reshaped society, artists responded with bold new approaches. Figures like Manet, Monet, and Degas broke with tradition, capturing modern life with fresh techniques and perspectives, often shocking audiences. The infamous Salon des Refusés of 1863 revealed the growing divide between the avant-garde and academic norms. Women artists, including Rosa Bonheur, Elizabeth Thompson, and Berthe Morisot, played a significant role in this transformation, challenging conventions and redefining artistic subjects. We’ll also examine the impact of photography, which altered artistic vision, and the profound influence of Japanese prints (Japanism), which introduced asymmetry, bold colours, and new compositional approaches. Through close analysis of these ground-breaking artists and their works, in connection with the historical context, we’ll trace the emergence of modernism and its lasting impact on the Art World.

We don't want anything to stand in your way when it comes to bringing Adult learning within reach so if you need anything to support you to achieve your goals then speak to one of our education experts during your enrolment journey. Most of our courses are government funded but if you don't qualify or need alternative financial help to access them then let us know.
All of our digital content, teaching and learning activities and assessments are designed to be accessible so if you need any additional support you can discuss this with the education experts during your enrolment journey and we will do all we can to make sure you have optimal access.

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