The Art of Portraiture: Pre-Histories of the Selfie

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The selfie is ubiquitous today, but posing for a portrait has a history. This seminar examines the art of portraiture—from the celebrity to the beloved pet to its medium in paint, print, and stone—during the period of its modern formation in the eighteenth century. How are new concepts of the self represented through expression, environment, and stuff? How do people fake it in portrayal to redeem or elevate their pasts? How can a portrait serve as a stereotype and how can it visualize a more equitable society? Course includes visits and assignments in museums.