AH 312 – VILLAS, PALACES AND GARDENS IN THE RENAISSANCE AND BAROQUE

This course will investigate villas, palaces and gardens in Italy between the 15th and the 18th centuries, in both urban and rustic settings.

During this period, dramatic changes took place in the design of palaces and villas fueled first by humanistic study of the ancient architectural treatises, and then by changes in courtly and urban society. The topic will be considered from various perspectives including patronage, stylistic development, Renaissance architectural theory, urbanism, material culture, social contexts, and the history of garden design. This course is designed to foster a theoretical understanding of links between architecture and society with an emphasis upon the use of primary sources for advanced research in art history. A one-day excursion to visit palaces and villas in Florence is possible.

Pre- or co-requisites: A 200-level Art History course or permission of the instructor.

Students are responsible for all entry fees. An additional fee may be collected in the event of a required excursion.

Credit hours: 
3