Art Appreciation: Spanish painters from Velazquez to Miro

In this 5-week course, we’ll explore the innovative contributions of Spain’s baroque masters and the powerful realism and compositions of Velázquez; how Goya’s work captured the turbulent history of Spain and Europe during his time; the revolutionary Cubist techniques of Picasso and Gris; and the imaginative realms of surrealism, spearheaded by Dalí and Miró. We’ll learn about the political and cultural contexts that created these artistic trailblazers, from Spain’s Moorish heritage to its colonialism, the counter-reformation and the part it inhabited within European empires.

This course is open to those new to art history as well as those who already have some experience.

During our interactive sessions, we will look at examples of paintings and other art works. Background on the historic, social and cultural context, on the works, artists and artistic styles/schools will be provided as will resources on further viewing and reading for each session.