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Languages & Culture
Art Appreciation: Art and Faith
Early booking is a membership perk for WEA members, where courses are available exclusively before becoming available for everyone else.
Course details
Course code
Q00009346Course date
Start: 06/01/25
End: 10/02/25
Number of classes
6 sessionsTutor
David BrindleyFee range
Free to £55.50
How you'll learn
Venue
OnlineLevel of study
Availability
This course is for early booking only.
Course overview
Are you fascinated by art and how it developed, and would like to know more? Humans have always expressed their spirituality through art, from the earliest cave drawings to contemporary installations in cathedrals. This course concentrates on how European art has depicted the Christian faith, but also looks at the art of Islam and the Indian art of Buddhism and Hinduism.
Beginning with cave art around the world, we look at some of the earliest artistic expressions of humanity’s search for the beyond. Buddhist and Hindu art from the centuries before Christ is discussed, as is art from the earliest roots of Islam from the seventh century onwards.
This course is for early booking only.
Course description
Our in depth investigation of Christian art begins with the early roots of the Renaissance and looks at Giotto’s depictions of the life of Jesus. We progress to the major works of Michelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael, and then consider the impact of the Reformation on the art of Europe. How did artists survive in northern Europe when art was forbidden in Churches, We then look at Pre-Raphaelite art and move into the 20th century to look at contemporary artistic expressions of faith.
Types of art examined include paintings, sculpture, stained glass, manuscripts and textiles.
No previous knowledge or experience of either art history or theology is required, and the course will be taught at whatever level is suitable for the participants.
The course tutor, David Brindley, has been teaching for the WEA for four years. He has Masters Degrees in Art History, Philosophy and Theology.
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