The goal of the course is to offer a methodology-oriented in-depth study of the artistic production of the Byzantine world. The module is designed to provide students with the ability to examine art-historical problems in their context, also approaching them from an interdisciplinary perspective. While adopting the method specific to the history of Byzantine art, the topics addressed may include aspects related to the reception of Byzantium beyond conventional chronological and geographical boundaries, analyzing visual evidence in the light of different sources. Seminar-based activities aimed at exercising independent learning and critical judgement may also be planned.
teacher profile teaching materials
For over a millennium, Constantinople and Thessalonica served as focal points for the Mediterranean and Europe, not only politically but also culturally, and as leading centers of artistic production: the former as the capital of the Byzantine Empire, the latter as the empire’s second-largest city and a major pilgrimage destination.
This module aims to deepen students’ understanding of the two cities as an exceptional case study, beginning with their aspect during the Hellenistic-Roman period and tracing the main stages of their development throughout the Middle Ages, from the 4th to the 15th century, up to the Ottoman conquest. The module will examine their urban and monumental features and artistic production, as well as their mutual contacts, relationships and exchanges with other centers in the Mediterranean, from a diachronic and comparative perspective.
Drawing on a variety of source types (archaeological and material evidence, written, graphic and photographic records), the course will address specific themes such as building and decoration techniques (sculpture, painting, mosaics), the strategies of reuse, the circulation of craftsmen, iconographies and models. The teaching method is classroom based, but field trips to museums and/or seminar type activities may be envisaged.
E. Zanini, Costantinopoli. I luoghi dell’archeologia, Carocci 2022.
L. Vlad Borrelli, s.v. Salonicco, in Enciclopedia dell’arte antica, VI, Roma 1965. (https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/salonicco_res-601c0e9f-8c61-11dc-8e9d-0016357eee51_(Enciclopedia-dell'-Arte-Antica)/)
G. Gunaris, s.v. Salonicco, in Enciclopedia dell’arte medievale, X, Roma 1999, pp. 274-281. (https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/salonicco_(Enciclopedia-dell'-Arte-Medievale)/)
M. della Valle, Costantinopoli e Tessalonica al tempo di Anna Paleologina, in L’arte di Bisanzio e l’Italia al tempo dei Paleologi, a cura di A. Iacobini, M. della Valle, Roma 1999, pp. 125-142.
Further bibliography may be supplied during the course.
Non-attending students:
In addition to the above mentioned text, students who cannot attend the course should supplement their preparation with a bibliography to be agreed with the instructor.
Programme
CONSTANTINOPLE AND THESSALONICA: A TALE OF TWO CITIESFor over a millennium, Constantinople and Thessalonica served as focal points for the Mediterranean and Europe, not only politically but also culturally, and as leading centers of artistic production: the former as the capital of the Byzantine Empire, the latter as the empire’s second-largest city and a major pilgrimage destination.
This module aims to deepen students’ understanding of the two cities as an exceptional case study, beginning with their aspect during the Hellenistic-Roman period and tracing the main stages of their development throughout the Middle Ages, from the 4th to the 15th century, up to the Ottoman conquest. The module will examine their urban and monumental features and artistic production, as well as their mutual contacts, relationships and exchanges with other centers in the Mediterranean, from a diachronic and comparative perspective.
Drawing on a variety of source types (archaeological and material evidence, written, graphic and photographic records), the course will address specific themes such as building and decoration techniques (sculpture, painting, mosaics), the strategies of reuse, the circulation of craftsmen, iconographies and models. The teaching method is classroom based, but field trips to museums and/or seminar type activities may be envisaged.
Core Documentation
A solid knowledge of the topics covered in class is required, in addition to the study of the following texts:E. Zanini, Costantinopoli. I luoghi dell’archeologia, Carocci 2022.
L. Vlad Borrelli, s.v. Salonicco, in Enciclopedia dell’arte antica, VI, Roma 1965. (https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/salonicco_res-601c0e9f-8c61-11dc-8e9d-0016357eee51_(Enciclopedia-dell'-Arte-Antica)/)
G. Gunaris, s.v. Salonicco, in Enciclopedia dell’arte medievale, X, Roma 1999, pp. 274-281. (https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/salonicco_(Enciclopedia-dell'-Arte-Medievale)/)
M. della Valle, Costantinopoli e Tessalonica al tempo di Anna Paleologina, in L’arte di Bisanzio e l’Italia al tempo dei Paleologi, a cura di A. Iacobini, M. della Valle, Roma 1999, pp. 125-142.
Further bibliography may be supplied during the course.
Non-attending students:
In addition to the above mentioned text, students who cannot attend the course should supplement their preparation with a bibliography to be agreed with the instructor.
Attendance
Optional but strongly encouraged.Type of evaluation
The test consists of an interview and takes place at the end of the course (there are no midterm tests). The interview will be based on the assessment of (1) knowledge and understanding of selected art works, the ability to contextualize them, and to present them appropriately, according to the standards of the discipline; (2) the ability to address general problems, as discussed in class and based on the course bibliography.