ARTH 699: Topics in Art History

ARTH 699-001: Mediterranean Cities and Trade
(Spring 2011)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R

Section Information for Spring 2011

n this graduate seminar, we will investigate the phenomenon of luxury trade in the medieval and early modern Mediterranean world, and its impact on the visual culture of the great trading cities such as Venice, Istanbul, Cairo, Dubrovnik and Seville. We will look particularly at the impact of trade across religious or political frontiers, such as the textile and spice trade between Italian city-states and the Islamic world. The course will touch on Byzantine, Medieval, Islamic and Renaissance art, accommodating a wide range of students’ personal interests. As a group we will read primary sources such as travellers’ accounts; classic historical writings by Braudel, Pirenne, Lopez, Goitein and Grabar; and new scholarship by Rosamond Mack, Anthony Cutler, Deborah Howard, Suraiya Faroqhi, and Eva Hoffman. Individual research topics might include the role of Jewish merchants, the migration of skilled artisans, the importance of royal gift exchange, post-Islamic artistic production in Andalusia or Sicily, the impact of the Crusades, the organization of urban production, the spread of architectural styles through trade, Italian artists in the Ottoman court, and so on. Class visits to local museum collections such as the Freer and Dumbarton Oaks will bring the readings to life.

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Research seminar on aspects of art history. Topics vary, but course entails extensive critical readings and discussion, development of bibliographies, and advanced-level research papers. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 15 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.