Utrecht, Netherlands

History of Art: A Thousand Years of European Highlights

The Utrecht Summer School offers an opportunity to travel back in time and experience the art from both traditions first hand, staying in two cities that played a pivotal part in their country’s art: Florence and Utrecht. This highly interactive course for the most part takes place in front of the original artworks, enabling you to experience, discuss and learn about the artwork first-hand.

Johannes Vermeer? Leonardo Da Vinci? Both geniuses, most people would say today, both equally deserving to be printed on posters (and the occasional placemat) all over the world. Today, both Italian Renaissance Art and Dutch Golden Age art have conquered their prime positions in the art history books. But in the 16th and 17th centuries, the ‘Northern’ style of painting was seen as very different from the ‘Southern’ one, even though artists from both traditions influenced each other, there were ongoing disputes about which style was the best one.

Upon completion of the course, you will have seen some of the most breathtaking highlights of Italian and Dutch art in the many museums, cathedrals, cities and galleries that will be visited during this course. You will also be able to recognise the main painters and distinguish different techniques and symbols, you will have become confident in discussing and analysing artworks (including ones you have never seen before). Furthermore, you will develop an awareness of the historical context and a feel for the daily life of the period and finally, had an unforgettable summer in two of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Course leader

Prof. dr. Michael Kwakkelstein, Anna Koldeweij, MA & Dr. Matthias Vollmer

Target group

The course is open to participants (graduates and non-graduates) from all disciplines with a keen interest in Art History. No previous experience required.

Fee info

EUR 2975: Course + coursematerials
EUR 1250: Housing