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
At least 20 credits of level 1 ARTF modules
This module is not approved as a discovery module
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.
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.
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
Analysis of visual imagery
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.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
180 hours – preparation for oral presentation, essay research and writing, reading set texts and a selection of further readings.
Class discussion, small group oral presentation.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 x 2,000-2,200 word essay | 40 |
| Essay | 1 x 2,500-3,000 word essay | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 4/29/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team