Revolutions, Illusions, Impressions: A History of Nineteenth-Century Art

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Over the long nineteenth century (1789-1900) revolutions replaced kings with citizens. Capitalist and colonial expansion mobilized armies, goods, and slaves across continents. New class and gender dynamics changed patterns of sociability. Technological innovations mass produced images and goods. In this course, we will discern such social and historical factors in Europe and across the globe alongside artistic ones to interrogate what makes art in this period irrepressibly modern. We will study the turbulence that has defined the century, including the art historical swings in style from Classicism to Romanticism to Impressionism, with care. Course includes visits and assignments in museums.