The course will examine the ways in which artistic production in the Middle Ages fulfilled specific communication functions, in relation to the social contexts of reference, the physical spaces of destination, the motives of the patrons, and the status of the artists. Aspects of the relationship between choice of materials and iconography of works, reception and cultural context, audience and symbolic values will also be analysed.
Aim of the course is leading students to deepen their knowledge about the communication functions of medieval artistic production, in relation to the different social contexts of reference, with special attention to the symbolic and cultural values of the works, to the physical spaces to which they were intended, to the interactions between artists, clients, screenwriters and the market.
The educational objectives of the course are to lead students to critically study medieval artistic production in its relations with society and the public of reference, in both the religious and secular spheres; to guide them to learn the functions of communication in the different contexts, in relation to the will of patrons, the devotional uses and trends in secular culture; and finally to lead them to understand themes such as the role of the craftsmen and the value of the works in the "art system" of the period.
Knowledge of the art of the European Middle Ages, at the level of the suggested textbooks for the Medieval Art History course, is a useful prerequisite (Bachelor's degree).
Classes are held in person. Attendance, although not compulsory, is recommended. The lecturer, at the specific request of a student (by e-mail), may allow him/her to follow classes remotely via “Teams” platform.
The material used in lectures will be made available to students on Aulaweb.
Functions and Spaces of Images in Medieval Europe;
Art and the Sacred: Spaces, Furnishings, Images;
Art and secular powers: courts and cities;
The 'communal art': images, symbols, contexts;
Artists: between craft and fame;
The artist as 'iconographer': cases and works
The following texts will be used (pages to be defined):
Arti e storia nel Medioevo, 4 voll., a cura di E. Castelnuovo, G. Sergi, Einaudi, Torino 2002-2004.
L'arte medievale nel contesto (300-1300). Funzioni, iconografie, tecniche, a cura di P. Piva, Jaca Book, Milano 2015.
K. Krüger, La politica dell'evidenza nel Trecento fiorentino. Pittura e immaginario pubblico, Viella, Roma 2015.
L'artista medievale. Contesti, mestieri, famiglie (secc. XI-XIII), a cura di M. Collareta, L. Violi, Carocci, Roma 2022.
The final bibliography will be indicated at the end of the course
Ricevimento: The professor will be available for students on tuesday, 5 pm; preliminarily the students will have to e-mail the teacher to his address: gianluca.ameri@unige.it
GIANLUCA AMERI (President)
CLARIO DI FABIO
FRANCESCA GIRELLI
Lessons start: february 25, 2025.
For both those attending and those not attending, the examination will be oral and will take the form of an interview on at least three examples relating to general or more specific course topics, based on the lecturer's questions on the images commented on in the lecture and on the texts in the syllabus.
*Students with disabilities or learning disorders.* Students with disabilities or learning disorders are entitled specific adjustments, provided they upload the relevant certifications and documents on the University's dedicated webpage. See http://servizionline.unige.it under rubric 'Students'. The documents will be validated by the relevant office within the University (*Settore servizi per l’inclusione degli studenti con disabilità e con DSA dell’Ateneo)* (https://rubrica.unige.it/strutture/struttura/100111). At least 10 days before the exam, students will have to email the professor, Cc'ing the aforementioned office, as well as the School's deputy for matters concerning students with disabilities and learning disorders (elisabetta.colagrossi@unige.it). Please specify the following in your email: - name, surname, student number - course name and number - date of your exam - adjustments required Once the School's representative confirms your eligibility, you will liaise with your professor to finalize the details. The final decision on what adjustments are acceptable rests with your professor. Please note that any request must be sent *at least 10 days before your exam,* to successfully complete the process in time. Please also note that the mind maps to be used on the day of your exam have to be significantly more concise than those you use when you study. For further information, please see: https://urlsand.esvalabs.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Funige.it%2Fsites%2Funige.it%2Ffiles%2F2024-05%2FLinee%2520guida%2520per%2520la%2520richiesta%2520di%2520servizi%252C%2520di%2520strumenti%2520compensativi%2520e_o%2520di%2520misure%2520dispensative%2520e%2520di%2520ausili%2520specifici%2520Maggio%25202024.pdf&e=ed7a584b&h=c6c72b42&f=y&p=y
The oral examination will test the student's ability to apply the knowledge learnt, to analyse the materials taught, to understand their characteristics in artistic and cultural terms, and to make connections and comparisons through the use of the concepts and terms proper to the discipline.
The main assessment parameters will be the degree of understanding of the texts and images taught, the way in which categories or individual works are analysed, the ability to deal with the themes studied with an autonomous critical sense, and the appropriateness of the exposition.
A sufficiency is considered to have been achieved if the student demonstrates that he/she has mastered the fundamental notions conveyed during the course with regard to the main production processes of suntorial works of art and their historical development, also in relation to the core works and general periodisation.
Excellence will be deemed to have been achieved if the student demonstrates a sure mastery of the syllabus outlined in class, showing that he/she has deepened and elaborated on the course topics with a personal critical contribution, argued with propriety of language.
It is strongly recommended to attend the lessons.
