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  3. European Art & Absolute Power 1660-1815

European Art & Absolute Power 1660-1815 (AHIS30003)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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This subject examines the visual culture of Europe in the period 1660–1815, from the reign of Louis XIV of France to the end of the Napoleonic wars. We will consider several significant centres of power in France, England, Italy and the Holy Roman Empire to study how powerful political, religious, social and cultural factors shaped changes in the production, patronage and reception of images, objects and buildings.

We will also consider how European contact with cultures around the globe led to a fascination with the foreign other that indelibly shaped European visual culture at this time. Close study of artworks in local collections – including paintings, prints, furniture, ceramics, glass, metalwork and textiles – will explore how these objects were deployed in the construction of social identity in the courts and cities of eighteenth-century Europe.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of the subject, students should be able to:

  • Analyse the visual and material characteristics of an eighteenth-century artwork and relate this to the social context of its production
  • Explain the contexts in which 18th century art was produced across Europe in many centres
  • Employ critical and analytical skills appropriate to the study of the art of European eighteenth-century art
  • Compare different centres of power in France, England, Italy and the Holy Roman Empire and explain how powerful political, religious, social and cultural factors shaped changes in the production, patronage and reception of images, objects and buildings
  • Discuss how European contact with cultures around the globe led to a fascination with the foreign other that indelibly shaped European visual culture at this time
  • Examine artworks in local collections – including paintings, prints, furniture, ceramics, glass, metalwork and textiles – and argue how these objects were deployed in the construction of social identity in the courts and cities of eighteenth-century Europe.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays
  • Conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations
  • Communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion
  • Manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision
  • Participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.

Last updated: 18 January 2025