A Bible for Illiterates?

ECTS: 5

This course focuses on monumental fresco cyles in Central Italy from the period 1425-1500. The main question is: should these cycles be studied according to the instructions for religious art formulated by the Church, or were there more factors at play? Are they only a ‘Bible for those who cannot read’, or were they also a means for the rich and powerful to express their power and ambitions? Students will be able to analyse religious paintings made in Italy in the 15th century, according to the Church’s demands and directions for religious art.