History of art courses / Thematic short courses / Awaiting the Nativity - Christmas themes in Florentine art

The British Institute is the perfect place to study the history of Italian Art. Our short courses offer the opportunity to explore History of Art thematically, covering such areas as the role of women in the art of the Renaissance and hands-on fresco painting.

Awaiting the Nativity - Christmas themes in Florentine art

December 10 - 14 2012

Awaiting the Nativity - Christmas themes in Florentine art

 

This five day course explores Christmas themes in Florentine art from the medieval period to the baroque.

 

Conducted  mainly through guided visits to churches, chapels, palaces and museums, together with lectures on the iconography of the Nativity, the history of the Italian Christmas Crib, and on two of Botticelli’s  exquisite and highly personal Nativity and Epiphany paintings.

 

We will explore why the subject of the Magi becomes a dominant theme in Florentine art from the mid-fifteenth century onwards and how the Epiphany is linked to the most important family in Florence – the Medici.

 

The course includes a special hands-on session in a Florentine bottega to learn and experiment the renaissance technique of egg-tempera painting and of gilding. No art experience is needed for this, and you get to take home your ‘Renaissance’ nativity painting.


Early December is the perfect time to experience Florence free from crowded streets and busy museums. It is also when the Christmas markets begin, such as the traditional Mercato di Natale di Heidelberg which brings a flavour of the European north to the Piazza di Santa Croce. 

 

Sample programme attached below.

For further information

Calendar

from to days hours fee (€) combined with note
10/12/2012 14/12/2012 450,00

 

Attachment

see the attachment (Nativity2012_1.pdf)