The Renaissance world in Italy and beyond - a study of seven cities

A Certificate of Attendance is awarded to participants who attended daily lectures for the duration of the course.

This tutor-led, in-person course is 3 days in duration and is made up of 7 sessions for a total of 10.5 contact hours.

Dates: 25 - 27 April 2025

Summary of content

This course will examine seven Renaissance centres across Western Europe to consider the importance of location in the development of Renaissance art and architecture. The chosen cities each present a different model of Renaissance society and we will consider how different political structures changed the nature of patronage and resulted in different forms of art and architecture.

We begin with the city of Siena where we see emerging Renaissance qualities in medieval art alongside visual representations of the concept of Good Government. Moving to Bruges we consider the powerful influence of the north on the development of Renaissance art with the introduction of oil painting. The city of Bologna was a centre of Renaissance learning we will consider the architecture of the oldest University in Europe and the art the city produced. Palermo in Sicily was subject to multiple influences from east and west resulting in a unique art and architecture, whilst in the city of Blois French monarchs embraced Italianate forms in the design of the Chateau Royal. Moving to Spain we will examine the influence of the Catholic monarchs on the development of art and architecture in the city of Granada. The weekend concludes in the city of Vicenza where we consider how the architecture of Andrea Palladio allowed the local elite to express their cultural superiority.

Through the study of these seven diverse locations, you will gain a broad understanding of the Renaissance as a European phenomenon, whilst engaging with Renaissance material culture and examining the output of key artists and architects.

Session 1: Siena – City of Ceremony and Good Government

Session 2: Bruges – The powerful influence of the Northern Renaissance

Session 3: Bologna – City of Science, Education and Artistry

Session 4: Palermo – Influence and tradition on the island of Sicily

Session 5: Blois – Royalty, Riches, and Murder on the banks of the Loire  

Session 6: Granada – Chapels and Palaces of the Catholic Monarchs

Session 7: Vicenza - Nobility and the expression of Humanist culture

Learning outcomes

As a result of the course, students will gain a greater understanding of the subject and should be able to:

• discuss the differences in art and architecture between seven key centres of the European Renaissance  

• understand how geographic location and patronage are important factors in the development of the Renaissance

• name some of the key artists, architects, and patrons of the Renaissance period

• consider the Renaissance as a pan European Phenomenon which manifested differently in different centres