HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL ART

The course aims to provide a basic knowledge of Italian and European Art History, from the Early Christian age to the first half of the 15th century. A special focus will be set on Medieval art in Sicily.

At the end of the course student will be able: o describe works of art and their iconographic, technical, and stylistic characteristics; to place works of art in their historical, geographical, religious and cultural context; to elaborate personal analysis by using a specific and appropriate terminology.

Lectures

Architecture, painting and sculpture from the Early Christian age to the first half of the 15th century in Italy and in Europe, in relation with patronage, society, cultural context and liturgical needs. A special focus will be devoted to medieval art in Sicily, with particular reference to medieval art in Syracuse and hinterland.

A. History of Medieval Art from the Early Christian age to first-half of the 15th century.

- P. De Vecchi – E. Cerchiari, Arte nel tempo, Bompiani, Milano 1998 (o successive ristampe): volume I, tomo I, pp. 272-299; volume I, tomo II, pp. 302-651; volume II, tomo I, pp. 2-216..

B. Syracuse in the Middle Ages : architecture, painting, sculpture

1. E. Russo, La scultura architettonica e decorativa bizantina in Sicilia. Alcune proposte, in «Archivio Storico Siracusano», Serie IV, volume VIII, LI, 2016-2017, pp. 97-217.
2. G. Arcidiacono, Immagini votive e narrative nelle chiese rupestri del Siracusano. Tracce e percorsi tra Oriente e Occidente, in Dalle chiese in grotta alle aree della civiltà rupestre. Gli strumenti di pianificazione territoriale, atti dell’VIII Convegno Internazionale sulla civiltà rupestre (Savelletri di Fasano, 29 novembre-1 dicembre 2018), a cura di E. Menestò, Spoleto, CISAM, 2019 (Atti dei Convegni della Fondazione San Domenico, 8), pp. 287-315
3. M. Bares, Il castello Maniace di Siracusa. Stereotomia e tecniche costruttive nell’architettura del Mediterraneo, Siracusa, LapiS Editore, 2011, pp. 25-92, 157-211.

Please remember that in compliance with art 171 L22.04.1941, n. 633 and its amendments, it is illegal to copy entire books or journals, only 15% of their content can be copied.

For further information on sanctions and regulations concerning photocopying please refer to the regulations on copyright (Linee Guida sulla Gestione dei Diritti d’Autore) provided by AIDRO - Associazione Italiana per i Diritti di Riproduzione delle opere dell’ingegno (the Italian Association on Copyright).

All the books listed in the programs can be consulted in the Library.