Module Information

The nineteenth century was a period of profound upheaval for Europe: all that was solid melted into air. Powered by the first and second industrial revolutions, economies, and therefore societies, were rapidly transformed. Out of this tumult came a new social and cultural ethos - modernity - and a new desire for artists to paint this novel way of life. Artists of all kinds reflected on and participated in the myriad revolutions that generated modern life: indeed, many artists understood art as a powerful tool for engendering yet new revolutions, whether political or aesthetic.

This module examines how artists in the nineteenth century responded to the transformations taking place around them, and in so doing transformed art itself. It aims to, first, acquaint you with the key artists, movements, and contexts for understanding this period in the history of art; and second, help you continue to develop key art historical skills, including: describing, analysing, and comparing works of visual art; interpreting written primary and secondary sources; constructing, justifying, and communicating interpretations and arguments about art and its contexts; and reflecting on your own learning.

Week-by-week we will examine the key artists, movements, and contexts for understanding art in the nineteenth century. The topics covered will address the various aspects of modernity's impact on art and artists' participation in modernity, and will evolve over time in response to the convenor's research and the latest developments in the field. As an indication, we will examine how artistic movements and groups such as Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, and Symbolism responded to and engaged with broader historical forces such as European imperialism, the industrial and scientific revolutions, the triumph of capitalism, the emergence of mass politics, the growth of cities, and shifting gender norms.

Taking a 'flipped learning' approach, students will read essential texts and watch pre-recorded lectures (1 hour per week, inclusive of activities) as guided independent study. Classroom time (1 hour per week) will be divided between student-led Q&A and discussion about the lectures, in-depth seminar-style discussion of important texts, and workshop-style activities and exercises centred on key skills.