ObjectivesWe will look exclusively at Leonardo’s fascination with portraits and Madonnas through painting, patronage and privilege in 15th-century Florence. Leonardo returned to this topic throughout his life.
Course descriptionWhat topics will we cover?
We are all aware of, and acquainted with the work and experimentation of Leonardo da Vinci in a wide-ranging field of the arts and beyond. But the area of portraits and the challenge of the compositional grouping of the Madonna and Child held a particular interest and obsessive fascination for Leonardo from very early on in his career and throughout his life right up to the very end. Beginning with his early life, this lecture will look at Leonard’s early use of the oil medium and his use of varied drawing mediums to achieve his results. This lecture will also look at Leonardo’s endless struggle with the Madonna and Child grouping and what that can tell us about our own Madonna of the Rocks and Cartoon. And finally I will look at Leonard’s association with particular noble families, the interaction between these families and the female portraiture that was produced as a result of the associations with these families. These aspects will be looked at in the context of workshop traditions, his associations with other artists and major commissions.
By the end of this course you should be able to:
• Identify the distinctive features of early and late styles of painting
• Compare and contrast styles of secular and religious works
• Discuss Leonardo’s role within court and society
What level is the course?
The course is open to all. No prior knowledge of the subject is required.
How will I be taught?
Through illustrated talks and lectures. Discussion. Question and answer sessions. A guided visit to study the original works of art at the National Gallery may be made if appropriate.
Are there any other costs (e.g. certification, materials, equipment or books I need to buy)?
No.
What feedback will I get?
Your tutor will give you feedback both individually and through group discussion.
Your progress will be regularly assessed and monitored by your tutor taking into account class work and homework where appropriate. The tutor will record your progress and provide informal, regular feedback throughout the course. At the end of your study programme you will be asked to self-assess your own progress and achievement against the course objectives above. The tutor will endorse your assessment which will be formally recorded on a standard form (the Statement of Learning). You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.
Will I have a chance to give my views on the course?
Yes, please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.