HHIS-257: Women: Renaissance+baroque Art

The course presents an in-depth examination of the complex question of gender and representation in the visual arts and other forms of material culture in Italy in the early modern period (c.1400-1600). In its exploration of women as subjects, patrons, and producers of art and culture, the course begins with an overview of the moral, social, and religious models of female behavior. We will explore the dynamics of marriage and family life, as well as issues of sexuality, gender, and representation in the Renaissance, especially the actual male and female roles in society in contrast to the ideal presented in artistic and literary narratives. The course concludes with a focused look at the figure of the woman artist.