FYSEMR 65W - Michelangelo: Terrible Genius
Shawon Kinew
Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) is a dominant figure in the history of art and in the history of the discipline. A sculptor, architect, painter and poet, Michelangelo was the quintessential Renaissance man, one who embodies the paradigm of artistic genius. He was a complex figure, individual and “terrible,” transforming the art of the Italian peninsula and Europe over the seven decades of his career.
Harvard is unique in providing the opportunity to study Michelangelo through direct encounters with original drawings by the artist and books that date to the 16th century, and through research in its superb libraries. One of the goals of this course is to teach students to write skillful essays in art history and the humanities. Through weekly tasks to be completed during the second half of the course, students will build their final paper incrementally. Students will leave this course having produced an original thought on one of the most studied artists in history. This course will be held in the Harvard Art Museums, and will incorporate hands-on experiments in art making and various class visits on campus.