History Of Modern Art

Part I : Late 19th century
Emphasis on selected highlights of the period, including Monet’s water lilies series on display at the newly- reopened Orangerie museum. Discussion will focus on what has been called "the crisis of Impressionism”, also seen as its legacy : the search for something to replace blurred, fleeting impressions, and the gradual affirmation of the "objet tableau" as the ultimate subject in painting. Cezanne’s paintings, particularly representative of this movement, are examined. Other topics include the work of Seurat; “scientific" painting; Gauguin and the Pont-Aven school; and the Nabis’ use of flat surfaces and shading and similarities to the Symbolists.

Part II: 20th century
Examination of fauvism and post-fauvism, including the works of Matisse. Specific topics include the role and impact of cubism on modern art and current trends; Braque’s and Picasso’s treatment and use of space; the introduction of other elements and materials into pictoral art, e.g. collage and paper maché. This is followed by an examination of abstractionist painting, notably the works of non-French artists, including Klee, Kandinsky, Mondrian and Malevitch. Although 1920 marks the course’s stopping point, later works are also discussed, particularly those of Matisse. Depending upon student interest, other contemporary movements and artists, such as surrealism and Dada, may be incorporated. Although this course covers many different movements, it aims less at total coverage than at an exploration of certain basic philosophical and artistic issues which characterize modern-day life and the individual’s attitude toward society. It is in this spirit that students are invited to work and learn.