People’s
University Offering Art History Classes
The Ohio County Public Library in Wheeling will
offer a free three-part series on Art History and Appreciation through its
People’s University program. The classes will meet on successive Tuesday
evenings at 7 PM, beginning February 12 and will cover the major periods of art
and architecture from Romanesque through cubism.
“Art history offers us a visual record of our human
history,” said Ellen Culler, art educator for Ohio County Schools and
instructor for the series. “The purpose
of this Art History beginner’s class is to touch on the highlights of the
different eras of history through art exploration.”
According to Culler (who also teaches art at
Wheeling Jesuit University), participants will be taken on a brisk walking tour
of cultures and countries throughout the world, exploring art and architecture
through a variety of periods of history. They will explore the interesting
facts, beautiful objects, and vocabulary that art history offers.
The series will begin with the Romanesque Period
1000 Ad – 1150AD, which reflected the Roman influence in the building of
churches. This was an intense period that saw the invention of the “barrel
vault,” allowing churches to become cathedrals.
Sculptures became an integral part of architecture during this time and
carvings were elongated.
The Gothic Period 1140-1400, featured the “gothic”
arch, which allowed cathedrals to soar to great heights and the new technology
of stained glass adorned the buildings. Much of the art work was based on
Christian religion.
The Golden Age of Florence was termed the Renaissance
(1400-1520). The artists of this time took many of the principles developed by
the Greeks and their “classic” style. It was the age of Humanism. Money
was lavishly spent by the wealthiest family, the Medici’s, to beautify their
Republic by some of the world’s most well-known and remembered artists,
Michelangelo, da Vinci, Raphael and Botticelli. Humanistic features were
becoming evident in art. These Great artists set the stage for so many artists
to follow, making it acceptable to be an “artist.”
From 1590-1750 the Baroque period developed almost
as a reaction to Renaissance art. It was meant to appeal to the viewer’s
emotions. Many magnificent artists came out of this period, including Rubens,
Rembrandt, Vermeer, Velazquez and Caravaggio.
Rococo Art (1700-1800) refers to the decorative arts
in the time of Louis XV of France. Designs were of nature reflecting plants,
shells, and flowers. Many people view this period as a “visual gluttony,” referring
to the excessive use of ornament in the decorative arts.
Finally, the series will cover the “Isms,” including
Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Art Nouveau, Post Impressionism, Expressionism,
and Cubism. During the late 1800 – early 1900s, styles seemed to swing back and
forth from naturalistic (romantic) to classical (restrained) and back to
naturalistic. The best American painters were still being trained in Europe.
The People’s University was created based on the
philosophy that public libraries are meant to be sanctuaries of free learning
for all people. It is a free program
for adults who wish to continue their education in the liberal arts. The
People’s University features courses — taught by experts in each subject — that
enable patrons to pursue their goal of lifelong learning in classic subjects
such as art, history, philosophy, literature, and government.
Please call the library at 304-232-0244 to RSVP for
the People’s University, Arts History series.
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