Russ,East European,Eurasian St 242 - The Politics and Culture of Russian Sacred Art

Russian Sacred Art

Fall
2024
01
4.00
Vera Shevzov

TU TH 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Smith College
RES-242-01-202501
Hatfield 107
vshevzov@smith.edu
RES 242-01, REL 242-01
Offered as REL 242 and RES 242. As devotional objects, political symbols and art commodities, Russia’s sacred art--the icon--has been revered as sacred, vilified as reactionary, embraced as rebellious, destroyed as dangerous and sold as masterpieces. Engaging the fields of religion, material culture, visual anthropology and ritual studies, this course examines the life and language of this art form and its role in shaping and remembering Russia’s turbulent history. Topics include the production and reception of images; diverse meanings and functions of sacred imagery; visuality and spirituality; secularization and commodification; the icon, avant-garde art, and film; controversial images and protest culture. No prerequisites. Open to first-year students.
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.
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