Hidden Treasures

This course will try to recapture the spirit of the 18th century grand tour, when travelers had time to contemplate and absorb the atmosphere of these five cities. We will explore the history of Venice as a republic and trading center, its islands, churches, and art, before it sinks into the sea. In Bologna, we will look at the Church, and the earliest medieval university, the arts, learning, and political tensions. In Florence, we will look at noble family palaces, villas, and private art collections. In Rome, we visit early Christian basilicas, Raphael's frescoes, and little gems of Baroque architecture and sculpture. In Naples, we explore the Kingdom of Aragon, hardly remembered today, and the rulers' patronage of culture and the arts.

Kay Arthur, JMU Professor Emerita of Art History, founder of the Semester in Florence, head of International Programs. Kay specializes in Italian Gothic and Renaissance art, with a particular interest in women artists and patrons. She has taught LLI classes on Florence, other cities in Italy and major painters.

There are no scheduled sessions at this time. Sign up to be notified when this course is available.