Course overview

This course in art appreciation provides close attentions to particular works of art from two important artists working in Italy in the fifteenth century, Sandro Botticelli and Piero della Francesca. The focus will be upon specific paintings and drawings in relation to who the works were for, how the decisions about visual presentations were determined and the integration of pictorial practice with contemporary ideas. There are no requirements from students prior the beginning of the course. Students would benefit from access to online sources during the course. Papers and images will be made available to students through the WEA Canvas site. You will need to have access to the internet to access the papers for this course. The course uses a secure digital learning portal for all the classes and for communications with the tutor and access to learning materials. The course would be appropriate for both experienced viewers of art and those new to the subject.

Course description

This course in art appreciation provides close attentions to works of art from two important artists, Sandro Botticelli in Florence and Piero della Francesca in Arezzo and Milan. The focus will be upon specific paintings, text illuminations and drawings in relation to their elaborate concepts of love developed from the work the writer of Marsilio Ficino and the poet Agnolo Poliziano and the work of Leon Alberti and Piero’s translations of Euclid and Archimedes. The course will also provide a discussion of many aspects of love and measurement in the context of specific works. The course will focus these understandings using a range of work by both artists and each week will select one work for a Close View and detailed attention. Particular attentions will be given to Botticelli’s Primiteva and his work illuminating Dante’s Divine Comedy, and to Piero’s The Virgin with Child, Angels and Saints in Milan and his frescoes Legend of the True Cross in Arezzo. The course would be suitable for those attending to details of the subject for the first time as well as for those with a previous grounding in the subject.

There are no requirements from students prior the beginning of the course. Students would benefit from access to online sources during the course. Papers and images will be made available to students through the WEA Canvas site. You will need to have access to the internet to access the papers for this course. The course uses a secure digital learning portal for all the classes and for communications with the tutor and access to learning materials.

The course would be appropriate for both experienced viewers of art and those new to the subject.

What financial support is available?

We don't want anything to stand in your way when it comes to bringing Adult learning within reach so if you need anything to support you to achieve your goals then speak to one of our education experts during your enrolment journey. Most of our courses are government funded but if you don't qualify or need alternative financial help to access them then let us know.

What other support is available?

All of our digital content, teaching and learning activities and assessments are designed to be accessible so if you need any additional support you can discuss this with the education experts during your enrolment journey and we will do all we can to make sure you have optimal access.

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