ART HISTORY COURSES
Waldemar H. de Boer offers two art history courses. These are not based on plain text book lessons, but are products of the teacher's own research, filled with information of the most recent discoveries on Renaissance art in Florence. During these courses, the students will be stimulated to discuss the material with the teacher and each other.
No prior knowledge of art history is necessary to participate.
Renaissance Art in Florence
(3 days, 9.00-12.15)
The Renaissance in Florence is one of the most intriguing cultural manifestations in Western history, in which religion, philosophy, economy, humanism and politics played an important part in the development of painting, sculpting and architecture. This course offers an introduction to the changes and progressions in art in this period. Key artists, such as Filippo Brunelleschi, Masaccio, Donatello, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, will be discussed. Next to that, attention will be paid to art patrons, like Cosimo and Lorenzo De' Medici, and the artists' daily life in this magnificent era.
Course days start with a 1,5 hour classroom meeting, followed by site visits to the historic center (Piazza del Duomo, Orsanmichele and Piazza della Signoria), the Uffizi, the Medici Chapels and the church of San Lorenzo.
Start dates courses
Courses are offered throughout the year to private groups (minimum 3 people).
Course fees
195 Euro pp, incl. entrance fees. A discount of 20 Euro pp is applied for bookings for more than 3 people.
Medici Villas and Gardens
(2 days, 10.30-16.30)
In the 15th century, a revival of ancient Roman villa culture took place in Tuscany. Renaissance country estates started to cover the campagna, to escape from the hectic city life, to unwind, to go hunting, to organize social events or even to discuss philosophy, art and science. This course is concentrated on the intriguing villa life of the Medici family. Their villas were not only a statement of wealth and power. With the help of paintings, sculptures and complex garden architecture, they were also used to convey specific messages to their guests.
The first course day starts with a 2,5 hour classroom meeting, followed by a visit to the Boboli gardens and the Bardini gardens. The next day, an excursion to the Medici villas of Poggio a Caiano, Petraia and Castello in the outskirts of Florence will take place. During the course, there will be time available for coffee and lunch breaks.
Dates courses
Courses are offered throughout the year to private groups (minimum 3 people).
Course fees
250 Euro pp, incl. entrance fees and transport. A discount of 20 Euro pp is applied for bookings for more than 3 people.
Enrollment
A 30% deposit of the course fee is required to enroll. The balance is due to be paid two weeks before the start date of the course.
Classroom location
Courses will be held in the 16th century Palazzo Guadagni at Piazza Santo Spirito, at a small walking distance to all concerning monuments (view map).
