No previous knowledge of Art History is required,

The aim of this course is to introduce the students to the history of Spanish art. In order to do so, we will focus on main periods in Spanish art history and on its most relevante names an works. Together with the historiographical approach, a basic introduction to some key theories on art will be provided. Furthermore, the course will provide the students with the basic skills that are required to analise and appreciate a work of art, as well as with the language and tools that are necessary in order to carry the study of an artwork.

1. Course presentation. 2. The origins of the Spanish nation around 1500. Spain and Europe. 3. The Renaissance: origins, characteristics and main European artists. Renaissance and Mannerism in Spain. El Greco. 4. The Baroque period: origins, characteristics and main European artists. Baroque art in Spain. Ribera, Zurbarán, Velázquez and Murillo. 5. The 18th century: Neoclassicism and Romanticism in Europa and Spain. Goya. 6. The origins of Modern Art. Spain in the 19th century. Sorolla. 7. The 20th century. The Avant-garde: cubism, abstract art and surrealism. Picasso, Gris, González, Dalí and Miró. Art and ideology in Spain. 8. The 20th century. Art after 1945: informalism, pop and conceptual art. Spain: arts and politics. Tàpies, Saura and Chillida. 9. Art and culture in contemporary Spain.

The course includes both in-class sessions and visits to Madrid museums (Museo del Prado, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía). Given the fact that the visits take place in Madrid, students should please make sure their previous class finishes at least 30 minutes before this one, so they have enough time to make it there. Students are expected to hand in two assignments. The first one will be a presentation comparing to works of art from different periods, styles or artists. The second one will be an essay on a work of Spanish arte the student as enjoyed during the course.