The Social History of Art, 1700s-1830s: Further Explorations

What can we learn about people, places and society through studying art and visual culture in the long eighteenth century?

This was a period of significant change including the Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution, French Revolution, and the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte. Artists discussed will include William Hogarth, Angelica Kauffman, Maria Hadfield Cosway, Samuel Palmer, Joesph Wright of Derby, John Constable and Benjamin West.

We will explore the work of satirists as they mocked Georgian culture and society, politicians and the monarchy with cartoons by the likes of Isaac Cruikshank, John Gillray and Thomas Rowlandson. This module will build on subjects studied in an Introduction to the Social History of Art, but no prior knowledge is assumed.

The module also includes a visit to the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff where we will learn more about the collection and where the artworks fit within the history of art.

Learning and teaching

• Seminar style classes where students will work in groups on set tasks.
• Class discussion on the specified topics.
• Online provision available through Blackboard with relevant links to resources and class PowerPoints.

1. Module overview
2. Hogarth: storytelling in print
3. Quiz, and Hogarth continued
4. Portraiture and patronage
5. Conversation pieces
6. Classical mythology
7. Landscape stories.
8. Museum visit
9. Satirical prints
10. Political Propaganda

Module recap and preparing for the assignment.

Coursework and assessment

Quiz: 10% - Class quiz. Week 3.

Then a choice between:

Essay: 90% - Students choose a topic covered during the module. This could include an analysis of a specific movement or a particular artist.

This will demonstrate their skills at identifying, interpreting and evaluating the material discussed.

This will be written using formal academic language, in an essay structure with accurate and consistent referencing. 1500 words. Set in week 6/7 but introduced in week 1. Submission shortly after end of the module.

OR

3 X 500 words: 90% - Students will choose three paintings and interpret and critically evaluate each.

This will be written using formal academic language with accurate and consistent referencing. 1500 words.

Embedded – three written pieces set in weeks 3, 6 and 8. Submission shortly after end of the module.

Reading suggestions

• Anthony Janson and H.W. Janson, History of Art, 6^th edition (London: Thames and Hudson, 2001)
• Nadeije Laneyrie-Dagen, How to Read Paintings (London: Chambers, 2004)
• Marcia Pointon, History of Art: A Student’s Handbook, 5^th edition (London and New York: Routledge, 2014)

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.