The Art of Making: Craft Production from Classical Antiquity to Today (30 credits)

Module description

This module is an in-depth study of art production in the Classical world, providing a history of making from Graeco-Roman techniques to their reception in the Renaissance and use until the present day. You will engage with the materials, tools and processes involved in the production of sculpture, pottery, painting, glass, textiles and jewellery among other artforms. We will study the complex sequence of actions involved in their production, following the artist as maker as well as investigating the client behind these commissions.

This module engages with art objects as the primary evidence for their production and will include visits to museums and discussions with contemporary artists. This will expose the complete making process from the acquisition of the raw materials to the completion of the particular artistic assignment. In addition we will investigate the ancient literature and modern scholarship in order to assess the role of technology in the invention of art and its innovation, as well as the dissemination of new techniques. The place of art within the ancient economy will also be examined. This is an exciting and dynamic subject which harnesses a range of different approaches to expose the materiality behind art and engage with the individuals responsible for its coming into being.

Module description disclaimer

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Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.