OSHER 131 - Great Portraits in New York and London Museum Collections

An introduction to the history, development, and stylistic conventions of portraiture from Roman times to the present day. Through close examination and group discussion students will discover: What intriguing stories can great portraits tell us? Who was the sitter? What was the purpose of commissioning a portrait? How did artists use details like fabrics, jewelry, furniture, and lighting to convey insight into their sitter's character and personality? How do portraits capture a moment in time and even influence art history going forward? What can art conservators tell us about the materials and techniques used? The last class session will be a field trip to view portrait paintings in the Utah Museum of Fine Arts to learn how understanding the broader art historical context changes our view.