Reformers and Radicals: A survey of the art and politics of 16th Century Europe

A five week overview of the huge changes - religious, political and cultural - in Europe in the 16th Century.

Religion, politics and art changed greatly during this period. Art was used to convey religious messages; politicians deployed artists to support their campaigns. Some countries became Protestant, others didn’t - why? Great figures ranging from Luther to Charles V, Durer to El Greco, Titian to Caravaggio will all feature as we explore the historical context behind the art of the period.

This course requires no experience or prior knowledge and will, we hope, provide some new insight into a fascinating period of European history.

This series of five informal lectures will encourage discussion debate and questions. Tutors Trevor and Sally will provide some basic insight into 16th Century Europe and some understanding of the huge changes sweeping across Europe, primarily as a result of the Protestant Reformation. This cannot be a comprehensive survey, much will have to be left out, but we Hope to cover main themes, providing historical context and examination and analysis of art and artists associated with those themes.

The five lectures will cover:

Wednesday 7 January: Early Reformation (with a focus on Luther and Germany; Durer, Cranach, Grunewald)

Wednesday 21 January: Later Reformation (with a focus on Calvin, Switzerland, France and Holland)

Wednesday 4 February: The Counter Reformation (El Greco, Caravaggio, Veronese)

Wednesday 25 February: Charles V; politics and political responses to Protestantism (Titian, Holbein)

Wednesday 4 March: Spain, bastion of the Counter Reformation (El Greco, Titian, Mor)