90604 - History of the Miniature (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will acquire knowledge of the history of miniature, with particular attention to book illustration in medieval and renaissance ages. In particular, students will acquire methodologies and skills to understand and analyse issues concerning the function, patronage and production of miniatured books related to their different uses both in secular and liturgic contexts (hymn books, bibles, prayer books, literary and scientific texts), the relation between text and image, ancient heritage, and the relation between miniatures and contemporary monumental painting.

Course contents

Lessons will be divided in two sections. In the first one (I) we will consider problems of method in history of illumination: birth and devolpment of the subject in Italy, working tools, description of illuminated manuscript, relationship text / image, two-dimensional vs three-dimensional vision, iconographic patterns and their transmission, contracts, technique. In the second one (II) the case study will be “At the sunset of Gothic: the Master of the Franciscan Breviary”.

 

* Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities: it is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students

I.1.personal notes from the lessons

I.2. O. Pächt, La miniatura medievale, Torino diverse edd.

I.3. J.J.G. Alexander, I miniatori medievali e i loro metodi di lavoro, Modena diverse edd.

You can study these two books in their original editions, or in other translations, if you want.

II.1.personal notes from lessons

II.2. F. Lollini, Ultimi bagliori di un crepuscolo: oro e argento nel Maestro del Breviario Francescano, to be published (provided by the teacher on Virtuale); e F. Lollini, 'Chi te po rafigurare’. Immagini e scritte, "La rivista di Engramma", 150, II, 2017, pp. 85-101 (on line free access)

other texts will be indicated by the teacher during classes

Studenti non frequentanti

I.1. O. Pächt, La miniatura medievale, Torino diverse edd.

I.2. J.J.G. Alexander, I miniatori medievali e i loro metodi di lavoro, Modena diverse edd.

II.1. H.L. Kessler, L'esperienza medievale dell'arte, Roma 2023 (the whole book)

You can study these three books in their original editions, or in other translations, if you want.

I would like to remember that, as an MA Medieval Art History exam, a deep knowledge of the artistic periods considered in classes is taken for granted (if not, a careful study of an art history handbook – "manuale" – is requested).

The course and the exam are part of the integrated course of Medieval Art B together with those of Contexts and Meanings of Medieval Art for students who choose it in the first year of the Master's Degree in Visual Arts, but it can be included as a stand-alone course in the study plan by those in the second year, and by all those enrolled in other courses of study or exchange students.

* Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities: it is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching methods

Lectures.

Assessment methods

Oral examination, with three questions on points I and II of the program. For students who will have attended classes, questions will be based on specific topics about issues and bibliography discussed during lessons, and on stylistic identification, and both formal and iconographic analysis of materials studied in classes. For students who will have not attended classes, the exam will be based on questions connected with subjects and topics included in the above mentioned texts.

Teaching tools

Powerpoints.

Office hours

See the website of Fabrizio Lollini