FIF 249 - Journey into Christian Art

Course Description

Examine the rich and diverse art created under the vast umbrella of Christian thought and culture. Explore the origins and development of Christian art and architecture within the historical, cultural, and social context of the Roman, Byzantine, Medieval and Renaissance worlds. Reference major Christian centres such as Rome, Constantinople, and Ravenna and their monuments. Also study early Christian catacombs, sculpture and painting, Roman basilicas and early churches, Byzantine icons, illuminated manuscripts, Medieval and Renaissance altarpieces, religious paintings and sculptures, and the cult of the Virgin Mary.

Course Details

By completion of this course, successful students will be able to:

• Discuss Christian art in terms of its historical, religious and iconographic context.
• Identify major styles of Christian art and major Christian artists.
• Identify major monuments and works of art of these periods.
• Build a vocabulary with which one can explore Christian art objects and elements of style.
• Discuss the artistic and historical heritage of the Christian western world through art.