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Classic: Artists & Artisans Complete Course
Join us for CLASSIC, the SECOND part of our four (4) segment course of study The Evolution of Art, Design & Style CLASSIC: ARTIST & ARTISANS Renaissance to Restoration This part of the course (Days 11 – 20) covers the periods from the rebirth of humanism in Italy during the fourteenth century to the restoration [...]
On Beauty, and thought provoking works
Writer, philosopher and musical theorist from Geneva (now the capital of Switzerland) Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) believed beauty had a common source in ‘well ordered nature’ and that ‘taste is perfected with the same means as wisdom’…and what ‘must be done therefore…is…to cultivate taste.
CIVILISED – At the Beginnings of Art – Day 9 Choirs, Châteaux & Courtly Love
The European medieval mind concerned itself with matters of the soul, harmony and music as major aspects of the kósmos, which was conceived as a tightly structured, hierarchical system centred on the earth and the human race.
CIVILISED – At the Beginnings of Art – Day 6 – Mosaics at Ravenna, One Part Only
At Ravenna in the Church of San Vitale, completed around 547, the finest examples of Roman mosaics influenced by the style of the Byzantine Empire are conserved. They reflect its beliefs and concerns prior to its decline.
Among the mosaics is an image of the three wise men who over the centuries became three kings and liturgical stars of the western church carrying the symbols that were a pointer to Jesus the Christ’s earthly ministry. Gold for Kingship, Frankincense for Priestliness and Myrrh for death.
CIVILISED – At the Beginnings of Art – Day 5 At the Meeting of Heaven and Earth
Constantinople was sited on the Bosporus its waters dividing Asia from Europe. And, it was there that the heritage of the classical world was preserved and developed in the Byzantine Style. When transposed to Russia and Venice it was intertwined with European Gothic architecture to create a unique style.
CIVILISED – At the Beginnings of Art – Day 4 Conversion, Cornerstone and Civilized Life
When the Roman civilization of western Europe was destroyed early in the fifth century…it was Christians who took on the role of the custodian of a civilized way of life. We discuss what defines a sacred space in any culture, creed or religion and examine a wealth of imposing buildings, including the development of the Gothic style in architecture in France and England starting with the Abbot Suger in St Denis at Paris.
CIVILISED – At the Beginnings of Art – Day 3 Precincts of Power and Glory
The advancement of classical disciplines under Roman rule, highlighting the reign of first century Emperor Augustus. We discuss the treatise of architect Marcus Pollio Vitruvius and what it reveals about Roman design and construction. Caught in a time warp, Herculaneum and Pompeii have today revealed a great deal of fact about living and lifestyle in Ancient Rome.
CIVILISED – At the Beginnings of Art – Day 2 An Arcadian Ideal
The romantic ideal of ancient Greece as a centre for youth, energy, toleration and intellectual freedom, a place where beauty and nature came together as a flawless entity is true however it does ignore all the other uncomfortable facts of life at that time. But this is how it is with memories of those who have passed on, that in time it is only their goodness we remember and as we go on a journey in search of an Arcadian ideal that never was real.
CIVILISED – At the Beginnings of Art – Day 1 Cradle of Civilisation
The survey starts with the emergence of ancient societies discussing the development of architecture gardens and costume. We highlight the ancient Egyptians who were pioneers in the art of adornment, especially the creation of jewellery.
Asides
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Shanghai Scenes
Explore the delights of the burgeoning Shanghai arts scene, including the visual arts music, dance and literature.
