Art History 290AP - Ancient Painting and Mosaic

The course treats the themes, techniques, and contexts of painting and mosaic in the ancient Mediterranean. From Bronze Age palaces to early Byzantine churches, surfaces were embellished with frescoes, pebbles, glass and jewels. These might be rendered in complex geometric shapes or with mythological scenes. Portable vases displayed elegantly drawn figures. We will examine the unique effects of each medium by working with original objects in the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum.

Course limited to sophomores, juniors and seniors