B5143 - Iconography and Iconology (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, through the critical analysis of figurative works, students will acquire methodological rigour and a high level of knowledge that will enable them to classify historical-artistic products and to acquire the analytical methodologies necessary to propose an articulate interpretation, critically inserted in the historical phase in which the figurative objects are located and aimed at grasping the cultural significance and bringing out the data that determined this precise thematic, iconographic and stylistic choice with a profound understanding of the relevance of such data for historical research. The reasoned exemples will enable students to analyse and classify artistic artefacts, to use iconographic sources as a necessary element for a thorough understanding of early modern culture, to evaluate the relations and connections between historical studies and art criticism and to work (also in groups) in interdisciplinary contexts, enhancing the specific contribution of the historical sciences. They will also be able to update their knowledge and research methods through opportunities for comparison and learning according to their abilities and inclinations, through the tools developed by the scientific community, using multimedia resources and autonomously consulting historiographical texts in languages other than Italian.

Course contents

Since iconographic and iconological analysis, i.e. the study of the meaning of a work of art, requires an interdisciplinary approach and in-depth analysis, in the 30 hours available, after a preliminary introduction to iconology as a historicized method of study, we will focus on a cycle of frescoes of particular interest, namely the “Storie di Medea e Giasone” (Stories of Medea and Jason) in Palazzo Fava in Bologna, painted by the Carracci –the brothers Annibale and Agostino and their cousin Ludovico– in 1584 Indeed, dwelling on a single cycle of frescoes helps to be able to delve into the different tools that enable one to carry out a contextual iconological analysis

After an introductory analysis of the Carracci and their importance in the field of Modern Art History, contributing to the transition of Mannerism to pave the way for the Baroque, we will examine the frescoes, that tell us of Jason’ s recovery –with the help of Medea the Sorceress Queen–, of the Golden Fleece and end with two episodes of magic, performed by Medea herself. The sources used to trace the story of the cycle will be mainly, but not exclusively, Apollonio Rodio’ s “Argonautiche” and Ovidio’s “Metamorfosi”. It will then contextualize the fresco in the era in which it was created, namely the Bologna of the second half of the 16^th century. In particular, two interpretative hypotheses will be compared: that of Luigi Spezzaferro, who considers the frescoes as a subversive response to the climate of the Counter-Reformation, in connection with the more advanced currents of thought of the Bolognese Studio (former name of the current Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna), dwelling attention also to the political dynamics that characterized the city at the time. In Spezzaferro's interpretation, the fresco of the “Notte degli incantesimi” (Night of the spells), where Medea performs her magical rituals, acquires special emphasis. Sonia Cavicchioli, instead, on the basis of contemporary sources, particularly the “Metamorfosi”, translated into vernacular by Giovanni Andrea dell'Anguillara, with commentary by Giuseppe Orologi, sees in the cycle a predominantly moralistic meaning. The two interpretations will be explained, analyzed and compared, and then discussed in the classroom.

Students will be asked to participate in the course on a voluntary basis by creating a PowerPoint presentation relevant to the topics covered, which will be graded 1-3 points and will be added to the exam grade.

This program is reserved exclusively for students who attend lessons because notes taken in the classroom and educational material provided case-by-case by the professor will constitute, beyond the bibliography provided below, a fundamental part of the course that will be evaluated during the final exam. Students who do not plan to attend lessons should refer to the dedicated bibliography below.

Readings/Bibliography

Bibliography for students who attend lessons

Apollino Rodio, Le Argonautiche, recommended edition BUR

Ovidio, Metamorfosi, libro VII, vv. 1-429, recomended edition, Ovidio, Metamorfosi, ed. by E. J. Kenney, Borgaro Torinese (TO), Fondazione Lorenzo Valla/Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, vol. IV,  2011, pp. 9-41.

L. Spezzaferro, I Carracci e i Fava: alcune ipotesi, in Bologna 1584. Gli esordi dei Carracci e gli affreschi di Palazzo Fava, exhibition catalogue, Bologna 13 december -16 december 1984, Bologna, Nuova Alfa, 1984, pp. 275-291.

S. Cavicchioli, Le historiae affrescate dai Carracci in Palazzo Fava a Bologna, “seconda Roma” (1583-1593), in Frises peintes. Les décors des villas et palais au Cinquecento, Paris, Somogy éditions d’art, pp. 233-254

Like text of reference is recommended S. Settis-T. Montanari, Arte. Una storia naturale e civile, 5 voll., Milano, Mondadori, 2019, vol. III.

Bibliography for students who do not attend lessons

T. De Nile, Fantasmagorie, streghe, demoni e tentazioni nell'arte fiamminga e olandese del Seicento, Roma, Officina libraria, 2023.

La Casa di Ulisse. Pellegrino Tibaldi nell’Accademia delle Scienze, a cura di W. Tega, Bologna, Edizioni Pendragon, 2021.

Like test of reference is recomended S. Settis-T. Montanari, Arte. Una storia naturale e civile, 5 voll., Milano, Mondadori, 2019, vol. III.

Teaching methods

Explanations with projections and image analysis. Research in databases under the guidance of the professor.

Teaching partecipate to the educational experimental project of the University following the model of " Digital integrative teaching"

 

Assessment methods

EXAMS WILL BE ONLY IN ITALIAN.

Students who attend at least 75% of the lessons are considered to be attending.

Students who follow the course can choose, only for the first two convocations, between a written proof (24 questions at multiple choice and three open questions) or an oral proof. Since third convocation the exam will be only oral. Students who do not follow the course have to pass an oral examination, they do not have the possibility to partecipate to the written proof partially based on the content of the course.

Grades are assigned in relation to a total of thirty points, with a laude for outstanding performance. The minimum passing grade is 18/30. Examinations will serve to verify the student’s level of preparation and critical skills in relation to the classroom lessons and assigned readings.

The exam consists of a written proof (only for the first two convocations, in December and January) or an oral proof finalized to value critics and methodological skills matured by the student.

Students following the course have to do an individual work that the student has to present, in seminar form, during the last lessons: to any student will be assigned a source (documentary, iconographic, literary, historiography) to be analyzed with the metodologica tools given at lesson.

In the evaluation of the proof it will take into account, particularly, the student's capacity to orient himself with sources and bibliography given for the exam, so as to be able to acquire the useful knowledge, which allows him to illustrate themes and problems and to be able to connect them.

Therefore, it will be valued: Knowledge of contents. Ability in synthesizing and analyzing themes and concepts. Ability to exprime himself adequately and with a language appropriate to the subject matter.

The achievement by the student of an organic vision of themes treated at lesson jointly to their critical utilization, a good mastery of expression and specific language will be valued with a vote of excellence.

A mnemonic knowledge of the subject of study, with an ability of synthesis and analysis expressed in a correct language, but not always appropriate, will lead to a discrete evaluation.

Training gaps and/or inappropriateness - even in a contest of minimal knowledge of exam material - will lead to a vote which will not be superior to sufficient.

Training gaps, inappropriate language, lack of orientation with bibliography given during the course will lead to a negative evaluation.

Students enrolled in the course as part of an Integrated Course (I.C.) must pass the examination of both parts on the same day (the final grade will be the arithmetic average of the marks obtained in the two parts).

Exams convocations will be six: the first one in Decembre, then in January, March, June, July and September. The precise day will be comunicate as soon as classrooms will be assigned.

 

Students with disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who require specific services and adaptations to teaching activities due to a disability or specific learning disorders (SLD), must first contact the appropriate office: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students .

Teaching tools

Projector and personal computer. Didactic materials, like power point presented during the class, will be put in virtual resources.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandra Anselmi