OVERVIEW

The course provides the basic knowledge for an understanding of the historical development of artistic techniques from the Middle Ages to the 18th century in terms of design, working processes and the use of materials.  Technical art history plays a central role in the field of cultural heritage. It provides the skills to understand how artistic objects have been created over the centuries, with a view to conservation and enhancement issues.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course describes operational methods in individual art forms in their historical evolution from the middle ages to the end of the modern era, taking into account the technical literature and the results of artistic diagnostics.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course illustrates the history of the main techniques of art through written sources and data from technical-scientific research. Particular attention will be paid to wall, panel and canvas painting techniques and to drawing. The possibilities and limitations of technical examination to reconstruct the processes of major Italian and Flemish artists, especially those of the Renaissance, will also be illustrated and discussed.

Attendance at the lectures will enable the student to acquire the general knowledge necessary to undertake studies in the field of cultural heritage.
In particular, the student will be able to
- know artistic processes, methods and materials
- know the contribution of the main written sources to the knowledge of artistic techniques
- evaluate the possibilities and limitations of technical analysis
- recognise the stages of experimentation and change introduced by different artists in the various arts.

Course programme
The course programme includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics

The evolution and changes in the technical processes that characterise the production of the following arts: painting, sculpture, ceramics, stucco, glass, enamel, drawing, engraving, mosaic, inlay and stained glass.

Ancient sources on the practice of painting on wood, canvas and walls

Technical-scientific studies to identify painting techniques, with particular reference to the analysis of underdrawings.

PREREQUISITES

In order to be able to deal effectively with the contents of the course, the following basic knowledge is required

a basic knowledge of European history from the thirteenth to the eighteenth centuries
a basic knowledge of the history of art from the thirteenth to the eighteenth centuries

TEACHING METHODS

Classes are held in presence. Attendance is not compulsory but is recommended. Distance learning is not available for this course.

Students are reminded of the need to subscribe to the course Aulaweb.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Programme for students taking the course for 6 cfu.

The programme is the same for attendees and nonattendees. It includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics:

- The evolution and changes in the technical processes that characterise the production of the following arts: Drawing; Painting; Mosaic; Ceramics and Stucco; Sculpture; Goldsmithing; Engraving; Marquetry and Stained Glass;

- Ancient sources for knowledge of the practice of painting on wood, canvas and wall;

- Technical and scientific studies for the identification of painting processes, with particular reference to the analysis of underdrawings.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. C.Cennini, Il libro dell'arte, F.Frezzato ed., Vicenza, Neri Pozza, 2004
2. Tecniche dell'arte, S. Baroni and M. Mander eds.,  Milano, Mursia, 2021, 2 voll.., (chapters on: sculpture, ceramics, stucco, glass, enamels, drawing, engraving, painting, mosaic, and stained-glass windows)
3. M.C.Galassi, Il disegno svelato. Progetto e immagine nella pittura italiana del primo Rinascimento, Ilisso, Nuoro, 1998 (the pdf will be available on aulaweb)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARIA CLELIA GALASSI (President)

LETIZIA CIARLO

PAOLO ANTONINO MARIA TRIOLO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

 October 3, 2023

Class schedule

HISTORY OF ARTISTIC TECHNIQUES

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral test in which the student must demonstrate that he or she understands the methods used to create the artistic techniques illustrated in the bibliography and the main changes that occurred over the centuries, between the Middle Ages and the 18th century. The student will have to answer questions related to the topics covered in the course and comment on images related to the history of art techniques and the technical studies used to understand them.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The examination will consist of an oral interview which will test: knowledge and understanding of the bibliography; ability to make connections between the topics covered; ability to criticise and to reflect.

Details of how to prepare for the exam and the level of depth required for each topic will be given during the lectures.

The exam will test the effective acquisition of knowledge of the history of art techniques from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Open questions will be used to assess the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to individual practical cases. The student should be able to critically link and explain the topics covered in the lectures. The ability to explain topics clearly and using correct terminology will also be assessed.

The method of assessing the degree of learning achieved will take into account the following scale of values:

1. if the student demonstrates, through an expressive mastery, that he/she has a deep understanding of the texts proposed, the periodizations dealt with and the themes presented in class, with an organic vision, the exam will be graded between very good and excellent (from 28 to 30 with distinction);

2. purely mnemonic knowledge (i.e. without deep understanding), superficial analysis and correct but not always appropriate language will lead to a mark between good (25-27) and satisfactory (23-24);

3. approximate knowledge, superficial understanding and inappropriate language can be considered sufficient (18-22);

4. gaps in knowledge, inappropriate language, lack of orientation within the bibliographical material and topics presented in class will be assessed negatively.

Exam schedule