Register by October 9
Throughout the late -18th century and throughout the 19th century, radical change swept the globe, more so perhaps in Europe. With these social, economic, and philosophical alterations came an evolution of cultural norms. A considerable number of these transformations were initially met with skepticism and critical disdain. But, for many, they brought new delights. This autumn’s lecture series will explore a number of these new directions and new delights that drove European culture.
Instructor: Simon Sibelman
Wednesdays, 10 – 11:30am
Six classes: October 11,18, 25, November 1, 8, 15
10/11/23 THE SECRET PLEASURES OF ENGRAVINGS
As the 18th century progressed, the public became aware of the emerging possibilities of possessing an innovative art form: engravings. This novel art form had begun emerging in the 17th century, but by the last decades of the 18th century had become a passion for many. This lecture will explore the secret pleasures of engravings and how they exerted both an aesthetic and societal impact.
10/18/23 AN ARTISTIC FRATERNITY: THE FLANDRIN BROTHERS
In the wake of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Era, artists could no longer depend on wealthy, aristocratic patrons for commissions. Artists needed to become entrepreneurs, advertising their talents, soliciting customers. One such “group” happened to be three brothers: Hippolyte, Paul, and Auguste Flandrin. Though not well known today, they represented a remarkable talent as the three collaborated and drew in numerous clients.
10/25/23 THE URBAN IMPRESSIONIST: GUSTAVE CAILLEBOTTE
When we think of the Impressionist movement, we often reflect on how many of the principal artists worked in nature, outdoors far removed from their studios. One such exception was Gustave Caillebotte (1848-1894) who found inspiration in urban environments and who dealt with many of the working poor. The lecture will look at his work and determine how he also defined the Impression movement.
11/1/23 AND THERE WAS RODIN!: BUT WHAT ABOUT CAMILLE CLAUDEL AND ANOINE BOURDELLE?
Rodin stands as the giant sculptor in late-19th century. But he was not alone. Two other significant artists, little known today, have begun to emerge from his colossal shadow: Camille Claudel (1864-1943) and Antoine Bourdelle (1861-1929). Rodin had instructed Claudel and convinced her to become his mistress. After a miserable relationship, she broke away from the master and worked on her own, and though her work received critical encouragement, she died in obscurity. Bourdelle developed his own style that moved into new directions eliciting new delights.
11/8/23 GUSTAV-ADOLF MOSSA AND SYMBOLISM
As the 19th century moved toward its conclusion, a radical literary and artistic theories emerged: symbolism. What was this movement and how did it manifest itself in the art world? One of its troubling voices was that of Gustav-Adolf Mossa (1883-1971). His evolution into a symbolist artist would lead to a troubling vision espousing images of misogyny, sadism, antisemitism, and death.
11/15/23 THE LIFE, DEATH, AND RENAISSANCE OF A CITY: DRESDEN
On 13 February 1945, the British air force firebombed the “Florence on the Elbe,” resulting in the almost total destruction of a gem of Western civilization. Constructed as a seat of princely and royal power, the architecture reflected that. Baroque churches, art museums, palaces, public gardens….all disappeared in one night in 1945 along with 35,000 German citizens – though some suggest as many as 250,000 citizens died. And yet, today much of Dresden has been restored, recreated.
