The course aims at acquiring autonomous historical analysis and critical interpretation of the artistic phenomena of the contemporary age, with particular regard to the interactions between artistic production and theoretical and aesthetic reflection.
teacher profile teaching materials
This course explores the 20th century through the works and ideas of two key figures: Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp. Both artists revolutionized Western artistic tradition, though by following conceptually divergent paths. Picasso continuously reinvented traditional visual language, integrating a wide range of historical and cultural influences, while Duchamp subverted artistic conventions, introducing concepts such as the ready-made, which redefined the nature and function of the artwork.
The course provides tools for an in-depth understanding of the major works of Picasso and Duchamp, highlighting the contrasts and affinities between the two. It will analyze the historical and cultural contexts in which they operated, as well as how their works responded to the major events of the 20th century, from the world wars to the rise of the avant-gardes. The course will also examine the legacy of these two artists, particularly Duchamp's influence on conceptual and postmodern art, and Picasso's impact from Cubism to political art, demonstrating how their ideas continue to shape contemporary artistic discourse.
• T.J. Clark, Picasso and Truth, Princeton University Press, 2013 (PDF)
• Leo Steinberg, The Philosophical Brothel; In the Algerian Room, in Id. Picasso, Chicago University Press 2022 (PDF)
• Marcel Duchamp. Critica, biografia, mito, a cura di Stefano Chiodi, Electa, Milano 2009 (PDF)
Additional texts will be indicated in the course of the lectures.
Programme
The Century of Picasso and DuchampThis course explores the 20th century through the works and ideas of two key figures: Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp. Both artists revolutionized Western artistic tradition, though by following conceptually divergent paths. Picasso continuously reinvented traditional visual language, integrating a wide range of historical and cultural influences, while Duchamp subverted artistic conventions, introducing concepts such as the ready-made, which redefined the nature and function of the artwork.
The course provides tools for an in-depth understanding of the major works of Picasso and Duchamp, highlighting the contrasts and affinities between the two. It will analyze the historical and cultural contexts in which they operated, as well as how their works responded to the major events of the 20th century, from the world wars to the rise of the avant-gardes. The course will also examine the legacy of these two artists, particularly Duchamp's influence on conceptual and postmodern art, and Picasso's impact from Cubism to political art, demonstrating how their ideas continue to shape contemporary artistic discourse.
Core Documentation
Essays and books• T.J. Clark, Picasso and Truth, Princeton University Press, 2013 (PDF)
• Leo Steinberg, The Philosophical Brothel; In the Algerian Room, in Id. Picasso, Chicago University Press 2022 (PDF)
• Marcel Duchamp. Critica, biografia, mito, a cura di Stefano Chiodi, Electa, Milano 2009 (PDF)
Additional texts will be indicated in the course of the lectures.
Reference Bibliography
Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Yve-Alain Bois, Benjamin Buchloh, Art since 1900, Thames & Hudson, years 1900-1940. The Cambridge History of Modernism, Cambridge University Press 2016Attendance
Students are free to choose to attendType of evaluation
Exam for 12 ECTS, Attending Students: The exam is oral and focuses on the texts and works commented on and discussed during the lectures. To be eligible for this exam format, students must attend lectures, participate in group discussions, take part in external visits, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the course materials (texts, images, films). During the oral exam, students should be able to present and discuss themes, historical aspects, ideas, and works examined in light of the texts listed in the bibliography. Exam for 12 ECTS, Non-Attending Students: The exam consists of writing and subsequently discussing a paper. The topic and specific bibliography for the paper must be agreed upon with the instructor. The paper should be at least 24,000 characters long (including spaces and notes, but excluding the bibliography) and must be submitted via email at least ten days before the exam date. Examinations for 6 ECTS: The exam is written and conducted in the classroom. It is designed to assess the student's ability to present and analyze the themes, works, and texts covered during the lectures and included in the bibliography. The exam also aims to evaluate the student's ability to read and interpret works of art, using appropriate critical terminology and relating the artwork to its historical context.