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Innovations in Northern Renaissance Art - HOA00053H

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  • Department: History of Art
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Jeanne Nuechterlein
  • Credit value: 40 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

Numerous innovations in the production and circulation of artworks during the so-called ‘northern Renaissance’ (c. 1375-1575) set the stage for future developments in artistic practices. This module examines artistic transformations in northern Europe.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching cycle
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

Numerous innovations in the production and circulation of artworks during the so-called ‘northern Renaissance’ (c. 1375-1575) set the stage for future developments in artistic practices. This module examines artistic transformations in northern Europe by addressing topics such as:

  • development of new artistic media, e.g. prints on paper and oil painting on panel;
  • technical and visual innovations in materials like embroidery and stained glass;
  • new genres and functions, such as the expansion of devotional art forms in the 15th century, and new secular themes in 16th-century representation following the Reformation;
  • expansion of art patronage to middle and lower social classes;
  • changing expectations of how artists should be trained and educated, and the significance of their social status;
  • innovations in the production and circulation of artworks, from workshop organisation to marketing and distribution networks.

This module will further address innovations in recent years in how this period has been studied, so we will study innovations in the art-historical methodology of this period, as well as innovations within the period itself.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should have acquired:

  • Knowledge of a range of artworks made in northern Europe c. 1375-1575

  • Understanding of how these artworks were produced, circulated and used

  • Ability to assess and apply a range of methodological approaches to these artworks

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Assessed Essays: two 2,000 word essays		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Assessed Essays: two 2,000 word essays		 N/A 100

Module feedback

You will receive feedback on assessed work within the timeframes set out by the University - please check the Guide to Assessment, Standards, Marking and Feedback for more information.

The purpose of feedback is to help you to improve your future work. If you do not understand your feedback or want to talk about your ideas further, you are warmly encouraged to meet your Supervisor during their Office Hours.

Indicative reading

Joseph Leo Koerner, The Moment of Self-Portraiture in German Renaissance Art (1993)

Jeffrey Chipps Smith, The Northern Renaissance (2004)

Susie Nash, Northern Renaissance Art (2008)

Stephanie Porras, Art of the Northern Renaissance: Courts, Commerce and Devotion (2018)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.