2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ARTF2094 Art, Power and Portraiture

20 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Kerry Bristol
Email: k.a.c.bristol@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

At least 20 credits of level 1 ARTF modules

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Portraiture raises fundamental questions about status, identity, gender and the body. The social functions of such imagery, its patronage, patterns of allegiance, making, viewing and viewing conditions will be located within relevant historical contexts. The technical methods, visual devices and rhetorical conventions of a range of works by such artists as Hans Holbein the younger, Titian, Rubens, Van Dyck, Reynolds and Gainsborough will be analysed, as will the problematic aspects of likeness, physical appearance, individual presence and beauty. Different portrait types, such as the ruler, the group, the equestrian and the family will be studied and there will be a consideration of how allegory and narrative transform these portrait types into much larger statements about position within society.

Objectives

This module addresses the large format painted portrait that developed in sixteenth-century Europe, featured in court art of the seventeenth century and evolved into the grand manner tradition of the commercial world of eighteenth-century England.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should have acquired:
1. An informed and critical understanding of a significant number of key images and texts in the study of the art and history of the Early Modern Period in Europe
2. An integrated knowledge of a variety of perspectives, methodologies and approaches to the subjects and objects of portraiture
3. Skills in the preparation and presentation of relevant primary and secondary source material
4. The ability to construct and put forward relevant oral debate and written argument

Skills outcomes
Analysis of visual imagery

Syllabus

Portraiture raises fundamental questions about status, identity, gender and the body. The social functions of such imagery, its patronage, patterns of allegiance, making, viewing and viewing conditions will be located within relevant historical contexts. The technical methods, visual devices and rhetorical conventions of a range of works by such artists as Hans Holbein the younger, Titian, Rubens, Van Dyck, Reynolds and Gainsborough will be analysed, as will the problematic aspects of likeness, physical appearance, individual presence and beauty. Different portrait types, such as the ruler, the group, the equestrian and the family will be studied and there will be a consideration of how allegory and narrative transform these portrait types into much larger statements about position within society.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	10	2.00	20.00
Private study hours			180.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

180 hours – preparation for oral presentation, essay research and writing, reading set texts and a selection of further readings.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Class discussion, small group oral presentation.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 2,000-2,200 word essay	40.00
Essay	1 x 2,500-3,000 word essay	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2024 16:10:27

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