Overview
The full course gives students a broad overview of the history of western European painting and its historical context. To complement this engaging chronological survey of artists and movements from the early Renaissance to Impressionism, students are also encouraged to join our partnered course Principles and Practice of Western Art History: Techniques, Theories and Close Looking which includes lectures on historical materials and techniques of painting, the art of closer looking and visual analysis, and art theory. This course gives students the opportunity to gain a strong understanding of the main themes of Western European art history
Academic Profiles
Aliki Braine
Born in Paris in 1976, Aliki Braine studied at The Ruskin School of Fine Art, Oxford, The Slade School of Fine Art, London and The Courtauld Institute where she was awarded a distinction for her masters in 17th century painting. Aliki has been a regular lecturer at the National Gallery since 2001 and also teaches at the Wallace Collection, Courtauld Gallery and for The Arts Society. She is an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Fine Art Photography for the University of the Arts London. Aliki is also a practicing artist who regularly exhibits her photographic work internationally.
Karly Allen
A lecturer in art history and observation, Karly Allen uses drawing and mindfulness approaches to foster close looking and engagement with art. She studied at the Ruskin School of Art (University of Oxford) and SOAS (University of London), where she received a masters with distinction in the art of Japan. Karly worked for the National Gallery for 18 years and was formerly Education Manager for the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace. She has lectured widely for UK museum collections for the past 20 years, including the Royal Academy, Courtauld Gallery, Wallace Collection and the V&A. As co-director of Limina Collective, Karly works with an international team of specialists in art-viewing with mindfulness.
Ben Street
Ben Street is an art historian and writer. He has been a lecturer for the National Gallery, Tate, the Royal Academy, Dulwich Picture Gallery and Christie's Education, among other institutions. He is the author of numerous books for general readers, most recently 'How to Enjoy Art' (Yale University Press, released September 2021) and a contributing writer on contemporary art for Apollo, Art Review and the Times Literary Supplement.
Any Questions?
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