Art in the Prado

A study of the life and works of the most important painters represented in the Prado Museum. Spanish painters such as el Greco, Ribera, Velazquez, and Goya will be examined, as well as painters from other countries such as Bosch, Rubens, Titian, Carracci and Caravaggio whose works are well-represented in the Prado.

Attendance policy:

Attendance is mandatory for all IES Abroad classes, including course-related excursions. Any exams, tests, presentations, or other work missed due to student absences can only be rescheduled in cases of documented medical or family emergencies. If a student misses more than two classes in any course half a letter grade will be deducted from the final grade for every additional absence. Seven absences in any course will result in a failing grade.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to :

Know the different artistic movements and the historical context of each artist discussed in the course content.
Develop analytic tools to analyze paintings by the old masters and create their own personal enriching experience and conclusions.
Broaden their intellectual horizons and use the analytic tools learned in class to apply them to different paintings and museums.

Method of presentation:

All classes will take place in the Prado Museum, where the professor will explain in front of the original work of art the history behind it, technical aspects, iconography, etc.

Field study:

All sessions will take place in the Prado Museum, unless otherwise specified by the instructor or an exam is schedule for the session.

Required work and form of assessment:

Midterm Exam - 40%
Final Exam - 40%
Class Attendance (including museum visits) and Participation - 20%

content:

Session	Content	Location(s)
Session 1	Introduction to the course	IES Abroad Center
Session2	Bosch: The debate over its meaning	Prado Museum
Session 3	Tintoretto and the characteristics of the Venetian school of art	Prado Museum
Session 4	Titian	Prado Museum
Session 5	El Greco I: The social condition of the artist	Prado Museum
Session 6	El Greco II: Explanation of his painting technique using his main masterpieces as examples	Prado Museum
Session 7	Annibale Carracci and Caravaggio	Prado Museum
Session 8	Midterm Exam	IES Abroad Center
Session 9	Velázquez in Seville	Prado Museum
Session 10	Velázquez in Seville II	Prado Museum
Session 11	Rubens: Artist and embassador in Madrid	Prado Museum
Session 12	Las Hilanderas and the dwarfs of Velázquez	Prado Museum
Session 13	Las Meninas of Velázquez	Prado Museum
Session 14	Goya's tapestry cartoons I	Prado Museum
Session 15	Goya's tapestry cartoons II	Prado Museum
Session 16	Goya: The war of independence	Prado Museum
Session 17	Goya: The black paintings	Prado Museum
Session 18	Final Exam	IES Abroad Center

Required readings:

Portús, Javier, Velázquez, guía de la colección, Madrid, Museo Nacional del Prado, 2012

IES Abroad

Founded in 1950, IES Abroad is a not-for-profit provider with 140+ study abroad and internship programs around the world for college/university students.

IES Abroad comprises study abroad programming, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, IES Internships, and the Study Abroad Foundation (SAF).

IES Abroad is a 501(c)(3) entity. The federal tax identification number for IES Abroad is 36-2251912.