Art History and Architecture   

Paris underwent fundamental political, social, and cultural changes in the 19th century, culminating in La Belle Époque and the birth of Modernism. The course begins with the story of "How Paris Became Paris," the city of our romantic imaginings, focusing on the ambitious modernization plans carried out under Napoleon III by Baron Haussmann, whose broad and open boulevards provided a new urban setting for a vibrant street life. A series of Paris expositions celebrated an increasingly globalized economy and technological innovations that would transform the new century. Members will experience an interdisciplinary immersion in the cultural cross-currents of 19th century Paris.

Turn-of-the-century Vienna can be seen as a laboratory of Modernism. The Habsburg capital's transition from a world of aristocratic Catholic conservatism to avant-garde experimentation culminated in an explosion of creativity in art, literature, music, philosophy and science. The course will survey the background of 18th century Baroque and 19th century bourgeois “Old Vienna.” We then turn to the distinctive innovations in art and architecture that take us from the middle-class successes of the Ringstrasse era, to the bolder work of the artists of the Viennese Secession and conclude with the starker work of expressionists on the eve of WWI.

The Ghent Altarpiece, a monumental, multi-paneled 15th century artwork, ranks as a great masterpiece. The artist's innovative use of oil paint paved the way for the art of the High Renaissance. Over the centuries, the altarpiece's panels were stolen, sawed in half, and hidden in a salt mine. Thankfully, it survived and is undergoing state-of-the-art conservation. We will explore the history and cultural significance of the Ghent Altarpiece from the 15th century to the present, celebrating artist Jan van Eyck and encountering such historical figures as Martin Luther, Napolean and Monuments Men and Women along the way.

The Renaissance is a collaboration of widespread influences and traditions. Although associated with the art of Italy, its development is deeply impacted by the style and structure of the art of Northern Europe. The northern regions of Europe are known for their meticulous and naturally rendered art and the mastery of oil paint. Expansive trade and commerce created a thriving economy and resulted in rich cultural exchange and a burgeoning open art market. This course will focus on the origins and evolution of these artistic developments in the regions north of the Alps.

Dominated by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, the High Italian Renaissance is considered the culmination of the goals and techniques developed during the Early Renaissance. Centered in Rome, it lasted from about 1490 to the sack of Rome in 1527. While earlier Renaissance artists would stress the perspective of a work and the technical aspects of a painting, High Renaissance artists also strove for innovation and originality as we will see as we look at some of the world's most iconic works such as The Last Supper, the statue of David, and the School of Athens.

This course will look at the ways that photography changed the world in the first half of the 20th century, when photography became an essential part of everyday life. We will look at a range of photography styles that were intended to be seen as art, as well as snapshots, postcards, and illustrated magazines. The hand-held camera opened the doors to photojournalism and street photography, leading to achievements in documentary photography. This is a visual class with lots to enjoy, from the avant-garde and surrealist to the sharp-focus approaches we know and love today.

From Ancient Rome, with its marble arches, temples and amphitheaters, to the much diminished Christian city of shrines and churches in the Middle Ages, to the glorious urban design of the Renaissance and Baroque eras, this course will trace the growth, decline, and rebirth of the city on the Tiber river. This is not (mainly) a political history, but a history of art, architecture, and urban design that influenced other great cities around the world.

This course is for anyone who loves museums and wants to learn more about them! We will discuss museums throughout their history, starting with early collections of curiosity. The course will then explore different types of museums that emerge over time. We will break down museum studies and conclude with a discussion of the current state of decolonization and repatriation efforts. With this course, participants will be able to gain greater appreciation and understanding of all types of museums.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS COURSE HAS MOVED TO SESSION 2. IT WILL MEET IN PERSON MONDAYS 3:15-5 P.M.

We continue the survey of master architects from different generations and genres. The course will explore the work of such giants as Mies van der Rohe, Eero Saarinen, as well as I.M. Pei, Louis Kahn, the firm of Skidmore Owings and Merrill, as well as a few other, less well-known masters whose work deserves attention. Class lectures will be illustrated by video segments as well as striking architectural photography. Discussions around design approach, execution, and functionality will be encouraged.

The East End of Pittsburgh refers to more than just a geographic section of the city but to a crucial economic and social development in the city’s history. The course reveals the history of the East End primarily through the rich architectural heritage which remains. The course traces the East End from its rural beginnings, to its vibrant example of an early railroad and streetcar suburb, through the challenges it faced in the late twentieth century and up to and including the recent revival of its fortunes. The course covers the developmental history of various East End neighborhoods and illustrates how architectural can be a window to history.

Posters are not dead. They are everywhere, even in this digital age. A poster tells a story, conveys ideas, changes minds, and sells products. They represent the time in which they were created and have often shaped the societies in which they are seen. In the first class, we will discuss some general graphic design concepts behind effective posters and take a brief look at the history of posters, from 1880s Art Nouveau to today. Each class after that will examine a different type of poster such as advertising and travel, propaganda, movie and theater, and music and rock posters.

Often overlooked in traditional design and architecture courses, the women designers of the 20th century have had a profound influence upon the way we perceive, experience, and enjoy our built environments, interiors, and decorative objects. This course explores and richly illustrates the work and influence of such designers and architects as Julia Morgan, Elsie de Wolfe, Eileen Gray, Lilly Reich, Charlotte Perriand, Dorothy Draper, Ray Eames, Zaha Hadid, and many others. Their lives and the beauty of their enduring designs are documented within the context of the social and political issues they faced.