COURSE DESCRIPTION

Explore the world of Baroque Rome over four sessions, and learn how artists such as Caravaggio, Bernini & Borromini reshaped the art and fabric of the Eternal City. This course begins by exploring the tumultuous city at the end of the 16th century, when Rome was the centre of international intrigue and bitter rivalry between Europe’s ruling houses during the Counter Reformation. This context sets the scene into which these great artists were thrown, capturing the spirit of the times and producing some of Rome’s most spectacular works of art and architecture.

COURSE CONTENT

Session 1
Rome in the Counter Reformation, from the great families competing for precedence, such as the Farnese and Borghese, to artists at the end of the sixteenth century who are little appreciated today.

Session 2
Caravaggio in Rome, from his early days in the workshop of the Cavaliere d’Arpino, a papal favourite, to his private commissions and masterpieces in San Luigi dei Francesi and Santa Maria del Popolo. Explore the fighting & slanging matches that led to his expulsion from the city.

Session 3
Bernini’s Rome, tracing the story and developments in style and practice of the sculptor who went from a boy in his father’s workshop to the creator of some of the most spectacular stone sculptures ever created.

Session 4
Building Baroque Rome, following the genesis and development of the Baroque style that represents the rebirth of Rome as a cultural centre. Special focus on Bernini and Borromini.

LECTURER

Dr Nick Gordon is a cultural historian and holds a PhD in history from the University of Sydney. His research into medieval and Renaissance Europe has won numerous academic awards and scholarships, including the University Medal in history from the University of Sydney, and has been published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals. Nick has over 15 years’ experience as a lecturer to university and public audiences.

COURSE STRUCTURE

4 x 1.5 hour sessions Each session includes an interactive lecture and time for group discussion and analysis.