Unit HISTORY OF SCULPTURE
- Course
- Archaeology and history of art
- Study-unit Code
- A003371
- Curriculum
- Generico
- Teacher
- Tommaso Giovanni Mozzati
- Teachers
-
- Tommaso Giovanni Mozzati
- Hours
- 36 ore - Tommaso Giovanni Mozzati
- CFU
- 6
- Course Regulation
- Coorte 2023
- Offered
- 2024/25
- Learning activities
- Affine/integrativa
- Area
- Attività formative affini o integrative
- Academic discipline
- L-ART/02
- Type of study-unit
- Type of learning activities
- Attività formativa monodisciplinare
- Language of instruction
- italian
- Contents
- Outlines of the history of early modern Italian sculpture, with monographic, thematic and methodological insights. In analyzing specific works and periods, the course will consider both formal and technical aspects, highlighting the connection between different materials and the expressive specificities translated into a three-dimensional creation (from sculpture in the round to relief). According to a methodological perspective centered, at once, on a chronological account and more contemporary approaches (e.g., those proposed by visual studies and the materiality turn), the classes will discuss production systems, labor economies, developments in taste and the aesthetic imperatives peculiar to each creative moment, a multidisciplinary gaze that will underline the importance of sculpture in the development of a broader "system of the arts."
- Reference texts
- For general outlines of the history of sculpture:
- R. Wittkower, Sculpture processes and principles, London, Allen Lane, 1977 [the student may consult the italian translation: R. Wiwwkower, La scultura raccontata da Rudolf Wittkower: dall’Antichità al Novecento, translated by R. Pedio, Torino, Einaudi, 1985 (Biblioteca umanistica: BSA Op. Gen. B 05)].
- G. Gentilini, Scultura, in L’arte. Arte e artisti di tutto il mondo, edited by G. C. Sciolla, Milano, Garzanti, 2002, V, pp. 255-268.
For historical sources:
- Estetica della scultura, a cura di Luigi Russo, Palermo, Aestethica, 2003
On techniques:
- S. Rinaldi, Storia tecnica dell’arte. Materiali e metodi della pittura e della scultura (secc. V-XIX), Roma, Carocci, 2011
These texts should be supplemented with an in-depth study chosen by the student and related to one of the periods covered in class. Each student should choose one volume from those listed below. The texts must be studied in its entirety, except for those for which different indications are given in round brackets.
The suggested books are:
- F. Negri Arnoldi, La scultura del Quattrocento, Torino, Utet, 1994 (collocazione ex Biblioteca centrale: Cons. Art-6-6).
- G. Mariacher, La scultura del Cinquecento, Torino, Utet, 1987 (collocazione ex Biblioteca centrale: Cons. Art-6-9).
- A. Nava Cellini, La scultura del Seicento, Torino, Utet, 1982 (collocazione ex Biblioteca centrale: Cons. Art-6-12).
- A. Nava Cellini, La scultura del Settecento, Torino, Utet, 1981 (collocazione Biblioteca centrale: Cons. Art-6-15).
In case of specific interests, the study of one of these volumes may be substituted for another academic book (essay, exhibition catalog, etc.), upon agreement with the professor. - Educational objectives
- The course aims to provide the student with a good knowledge of the history of early modern Italian sculpture, supported by a proper ability to read works and analyze figurative experiences with adequate methodological awareness.
- Prerequisites
- It is assumed that the student has already acquired a general knowledge of the historical and cultural, literary, philosophical and geographical context relating to the period under study. In addition, a basic understanding of the main stylistic changes and major personalities qualifying the history of art in Italy in the Modern Age is expected.
- Teaching methods
- Lectures, tutorials, field trips. It is planned to make use of blended teaching (in-presence and telepresence simultaneously) with synchronous and/or asynchronous mode.
- Learning verification modality
- The final exam includes an oral test, a conversation on stylistic changes, figurative problems, schools and centers of artistic production, the most significant personalities and their main works. These topics are discussed in the recommended bibliography and partly explored in depth during the course. The conversation is mostly composed of questions on different topics and periods, to which is added the discussion on the volume chosen by the student (see “Testi di riferimento”). The conversation will also assess the methodological expertise of the students and their ability to read a specific work of art with correct language property. Active participation in classes will constitute an additional element of positive evaluation.
- Extended program
- The course analyzes the history of early modern Italian sculpture and its relations with other European experiences, enucleating, the activity of masters and workshops, movements and schools, genres and salient figurative issues, placed in their historical, geographical and cultural context. Some significant episodes will be explored in depth, exemplifying various methodologies and questioning the reading, analysis and recognition of specific works of art.