Principles of Art History
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course proposes to offer an introduction to the history of art from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will have historical-critical tools to understand the history of art.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
(A D)
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
During the 60 hours of lessons, the history of art from the Middle Ages to the present day will be covered through reading exercises aimed at providing an understanding of the history of style, iconography, the history of artistic techniques, the history of collecting, etc., choosing examples from different periods and geographical areas.
Knowledge of the topics covered in the lessons must be accompanied by the study of the development of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting).
For this purpose, any good textbook for secondary schools may be used. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guides, among which the 'red' guides of the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
Part A (20 hours, 3 credits): Forms and functions of works of art
Part B (20 hours, 3 credits): Art between geography and history
Part C (20 hours, 3 credits): Artists, audiences and collecting
THIS PROGRAMME EXPIRES IN JULY 2027
1) This programme is valid from the first exam session following the end of the course
2) Before contacting the Professor (by email or during office hours), students are required to read this programme carefully.
3) If students contact the lecturer by email, they must send the email (including their signature and student ID number) from the email address assigned by the University of Milan.
Knowledge of the topics covered in the lessons must be accompanied by the study of the development of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting).
For this purpose, any good textbook for secondary schools may be used. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guides, among which the 'red' guides of the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
Part A (20 hours, 3 credits): Forms and functions of works of art
Part B (20 hours, 3 credits): Art between geography and history
Part C (20 hours, 3 credits): Artists, audiences and collecting
THIS PROGRAMME EXPIRES IN JULY 2027
1) This programme is valid from the first exam session following the end of the course
2) Before contacting the Professor (by email or during office hours), students are required to read this programme carefully.
3) If students contact the lecturer by email, they must send the email (including their signature and student ID number) from the email address assigned by the University of Milan.
Prerequisites for admission
A knowledge of the outlines of medieval, modern and contemporary history and of the main episodes in Italian and European literature and culture is required. The course is conducted in Italian and a good understanding of the Italian language is required.
Teaching methods
Lessons take place in the classroom, through text-reading exercises and the examination of some images.
Teaching Resources
EXAM PROGRAMME FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS
Knowledge of the topics covered in class must be accompanied by the study of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting).
For this purpose, any good secondary school textbook may be used. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guidebooks, among which the 'red' ones published by the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
IN ADDITION TO KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ART HISTORY, AS VERIFIED BY A TEST OF RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN IMAGES, THE FOLLOWING READINGS ARE REQUIRED:
PART A: E. Castelnuovo, Ritratto e società in Italia. Dal Medioevo all'avanguardia, Turin, Einaudi, 2015
PART B: E. Kris, O. Kurz, La leggenda dell'artista, Turin, Bollati Boringhieri, 1998
PART C: M. Baxandall, Pittura ed esperienze sociali nell'Italia del Quattrocento, Torino, Einaudi, 2001
EXAM PROGRAMME FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Knowledge of the development of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting) is required.
Any good textbook for secondary schools may be used for this purpose. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guides, among which the 'red' guides of the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
IN ADDITION TO KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ART HISTORY, AS VERIFIED BY A TEST OF RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN IMAGES, THE FOLLOWING READINGS ARE REQUIRED:
PART A: E. Castelnuovo, Ritratto e società in Italia. Dal Medioevo all'avanguardia, Turin, Einaudi, 2015
PART B: E. Kris, O. Kurz, La leggenda dell'artista, Turin, Bollati Boringhieri, 1998
PART C: M. Baxandall, Pittura ed esperienze sociali nell'Italia del Quattrocento, Torino, Einaudi, 2001
A. Chastel, Storia dell'arte italiana, I and II, Bari, Laterza, 2009
Knowledge of the topics covered in class must be accompanied by the study of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting).
For this purpose, any good secondary school textbook may be used. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guidebooks, among which the 'red' ones published by the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
IN ADDITION TO KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ART HISTORY, AS VERIFIED BY A TEST OF RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN IMAGES, THE FOLLOWING READINGS ARE REQUIRED:
PART A: E. Castelnuovo, Ritratto e società in Italia. Dal Medioevo all'avanguardia, Turin, Einaudi, 2015
PART B: E. Kris, O. Kurz, La leggenda dell'artista, Turin, Bollati Boringhieri, 1998
PART C: M. Baxandall, Pittura ed esperienze sociali nell'Italia del Quattrocento, Torino, Einaudi, 2001
EXAM PROGRAMME FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Knowledge of the development of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting) is required.
Any good textbook for secondary schools may be used for this purpose. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guides, among which the 'red' guides of the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
IN ADDITION TO KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ART HISTORY, AS VERIFIED BY A TEST OF RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN IMAGES, THE FOLLOWING READINGS ARE REQUIRED:
PART A: E. Castelnuovo, Ritratto e società in Italia. Dal Medioevo all'avanguardia, Turin, Einaudi, 2015
PART B: E. Kris, O. Kurz, La leggenda dell'artista, Turin, Bollati Boringhieri, 1998
PART C: M. Baxandall, Pittura ed esperienze sociali nell'Italia del Quattrocento, Torino, Einaudi, 2001
A. Chastel, Storia dell'arte italiana, I and II, Bari, Laterza, 2009
Assessment methods and Criteria
Examination oral only. The test, which is conducted in Italian, consists of an interview - preceded by a test of recognition of a number of images, from the Middle Ages to the contemporary age - on the history of art, the topics presented in class and the required readings.
A prerequisite for passing the exam is knowledge of the Italian language.
A prerequisite for passing the exam is knowledge of the Italian language.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
L-ART/04 - MUSEOLOGY, ART AND RESTORATION CRITICISM - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Part C
L-ART/04 - MUSEOLOGY, ART AND RESTORATION CRITICISM - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
(E N)
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
During the 60 hours of lessons, the history of art from the Middle Ages to the present day will be covered through reading exercises aimed at providing an understanding of the history of style, iconography, the history of artistic techniques, the history of collecting, etc., choosing examples from different periods and geographical areas.
Knowledge of the topics covered in the lessons must be accompanied by the study of the development of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting).
For this purpose, any good textbook for secondary schools may be used. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guides, among which the 'red' guides of the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
Part A (20 hours, 3 credits): Forms and functions of works of art
Part B (20 hours, 3 credits): Art between geography and history
Part C (20 hours, 3 credits): Artists, audiences and collecting
THIS PROGRAMME EXPIRES IN JULY 2027
1) This programme is valid from the first exam session following the end of the course
2) Before contacting the Professor (by email or during office hours), students are required to read this programme carefully.
3) If students contact the lecturer by email, they must send the email (including their signature and student ID number) from the email address assigned by the University of Milan.
Knowledge of the topics covered in the lessons must be accompanied by the study of the development of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting).
For this purpose, any good textbook for secondary schools may be used. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guides, among which the 'red' guides of the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
Part A (20 hours, 3 credits): Forms and functions of works of art
Part B (20 hours, 3 credits): Art between geography and history
Part C (20 hours, 3 credits): Artists, audiences and collecting
THIS PROGRAMME EXPIRES IN JULY 2027
1) This programme is valid from the first exam session following the end of the course
2) Before contacting the Professor (by email or during office hours), students are required to read this programme carefully.
3) If students contact the lecturer by email, they must send the email (including their signature and student ID number) from the email address assigned by the University of Milan.
Prerequisites for admission
A knowledge of the outlines of medieval, modern and contemporary history and of the main episodes in Italian and European literature and culture is required. The course is conducted in Italian and a good understanding of the Italian language is required.
Teaching methods
Lessons take place in the classroom, through text-reading exercises and the examination of some images.
Teaching Resources
EXAM PROGRAMME FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS
Knowledge of the topics covered in class must be accompanied by the study of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting).
For this purpose, any good secondary school textbook may be used. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guidebooks, among which the 'red' ones published by the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
IN ADDITION TO KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ART HISTORY, AS VERIFIED BY A TEST OF RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN IMAGES, THE FOLLOWING READINGS ARE REQUIRED:
PART A: E. Castelnuovo, Ritratto e società in Italia. Dal Medioevo all'avanguardia, Turin, Einaudi, 2015
PART B: E. Kris, O. Kurz, La leggenda dell'artista, Turin, Bollati Boringhieri, 1998
PART C: E. Panofsky, Rinascimento e rinascenze nell'arte occidentale, Milan, Feltrinelli, 2013
EXAM PROGRAMME FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Knowledge of the development of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting) is required.
Any good textbook for secondary schools may be used for this purpose. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guides, among which the 'red' guides of the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
IN ADDITION TO KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ART HISTORY, AS VERIFIED BY A TEST OF RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN IMAGES, THE FOLLOWING READINGS ARE REQUIRED:
PART A: E. Castelnuovo, Ritratto e società in Italia. Dal Medioevo all'avanguardia, Turin, Einaudi, 2015
PART B: E. Kris, O. Kurz, La leggenda dell'artista, Turin, Bollati Boringhieri, 1998
PART C: E. Panofsky, Rinascimento e rinascenze nell'arte occidentale, Milan, Feltrinelli, 2013
A. Chastel, Storia dell'arte italiana, I and II, Bari, Laterza, 2009
Knowledge of the topics covered in class must be accompanied by the study of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting).
For this purpose, any good secondary school textbook may be used. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guidebooks, among which the 'red' ones published by the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
IN ADDITION TO KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ART HISTORY, AS VERIFIED BY A TEST OF RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN IMAGES, THE FOLLOWING READINGS ARE REQUIRED:
PART A: E. Castelnuovo, Ritratto e società in Italia. Dal Medioevo all'avanguardia, Turin, Einaudi, 2015
PART B: E. Kris, O. Kurz, La leggenda dell'artista, Turin, Bollati Boringhieri, 1998
PART C: E. Panofsky, Rinascimento e rinascenze nell'arte occidentale, Milan, Feltrinelli, 2013
EXAM PROGRAMME FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Knowledge of the development of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting) is required.
Any good textbook for secondary schools may be used for this purpose. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guides, among which the 'red' guides of the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
IN ADDITION TO KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ART HISTORY, AS VERIFIED BY A TEST OF RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN IMAGES, THE FOLLOWING READINGS ARE REQUIRED:
PART A: E. Castelnuovo, Ritratto e società in Italia. Dal Medioevo all'avanguardia, Turin, Einaudi, 2015
PART B: E. Kris, O. Kurz, La leggenda dell'artista, Turin, Bollati Boringhieri, 1998
PART C: E. Panofsky, Rinascimento e rinascenze nell'arte occidentale, Milan, Feltrinelli, 2013
A. Chastel, Storia dell'arte italiana, I and II, Bari, Laterza, 2009
Assessment methods and Criteria
Examination oral only. The test, which is conducted in Italian, consists of an interview - preceded by a test of recognition of a number of images, from the Middle Ages to the contemporary age - on the history of art, the topics presented in class and the required readings.
A prerequisite for passing the exam is knowledge of the Italian language.
A prerequisite for passing the exam is knowledge of the Italian language.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
L-ART/04 - MUSEOLOGY, ART AND RESTORATION CRITICISM - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Part C
L-ART/04 - MUSEOLOGY, ART AND RESTORATION CRITICISM - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
(O Z)
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
During the 60 hours of lessons, the history of art from the Middle Ages to the present day will be covered through reading exercises aimed at providing an understanding of the history of style, iconography, the history of artistic techniques, the history of collecting, etc., choosing examples from different periods and geographical areas.
Knowledge of the topics covered in the lessons must be accompanied by the study of the development of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting).
For this purpose, any good textbook for secondary schools may be used. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guides, among which the 'red' guides of the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
Part A (20 hours, 3 credits): Forms and functions of works of art
Part B (20 hours, 3 credits): Art between geography and history
Part C (20 hours, 3 credits): Artists, audiences and collecting
THIS PROGRAMME EXPIRES IN JULY 2027
1) This programme is valid from the first exam session following the end of the course
2) Before contacting the Professor (by email or during office hours), students are required to read this programme carefully.
3) If students contact the lecturer by email, they must send the email (including their signature and student ID number) from the email address assigned by the University of Milan.
Knowledge of the topics covered in the lessons must be accompanied by the study of the development of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting).
For this purpose, any good textbook for secondary schools may be used. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guides, among which the 'red' guides of the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
Part A (20 hours, 3 credits): Forms and functions of works of art
Part B (20 hours, 3 credits): Art between geography and history
Part C (20 hours, 3 credits): Artists, audiences and collecting
THIS PROGRAMME EXPIRES IN JULY 2027
1) This programme is valid from the first exam session following the end of the course
2) Before contacting the Professor (by email or during office hours), students are required to read this programme carefully.
3) If students contact the lecturer by email, they must send the email (including their signature and student ID number) from the email address assigned by the University of Milan.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of medieval, modern and contemporary history and of the main events in Italian and European literature and culture is required. The course is held in Italian and a good understanding of the Italian language is required.
Teaching methods
Classes are held in the classroom and involve reading exercises and the examination of images.
Teaching Resources
EXAM PROGRAMME FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS
Knowledge of the topics covered in class must be accompanied by the study of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting).
For this purpose, any good secondary school textbook may be used. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guidebooks, among which the 'red' ones published by the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
IN ADDITION TO KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ART HISTORY, AS VERIFIED BY A TEST OF RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN IMAGES, THE FOLLOWING READINGS ARE REQUIRED:
PART A: E. Castelnuovo, Ritratto e società in Italia. Dal Medioevo all'avanguardia, Turin, Einaudi, 2015
PART B: E. Kris, O. Kurz, La leggenda dell'artista, Turin, Bollati Boringhieri, 1998
PART C: M. Baxandall, Pittura ed esperienze sociali nell'Italia del Quattrocento, Torino, Einaudi, 2001
EXAM PROGRAMME FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Knowledge of the development of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting) is required.
Any good textbook for secondary schools may be used for this purpose. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guides, among which the 'red' guides of the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
IN ADDITION TO KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ART HISTORY, AS VERIFIED BY A TEST OF RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN IMAGES, THE FOLLOWING READINGS ARE REQUIRED:
PART A: E. Castelnuovo, Ritratto e società in Italia. Dal Medioevo all'avanguardia, Turin, Einaudi, 2015
PART B: E. Kris, O. Kurz, La leggenda dell'artista, Turin, Bollati Boringhieri, 1998
PART C: M. Baxandall, Pittura ed esperienze sociali nell'Italia del Quattrocento, Torino, Einaudi, 2001
A. Chastel, Storia dell'arte italiana, I and II, Bari, Laterza, 2009
Knowledge of the topics covered in class must be accompanied by the study of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting).
For this purpose, any good secondary school textbook may be used. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guidebooks, among which the 'red' ones published by the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
IN ADDITION TO KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ART HISTORY, AS VERIFIED BY A TEST OF RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN IMAGES, THE FOLLOWING READINGS ARE REQUIRED:
PART A: E. Castelnuovo, Ritratto e società in Italia. Dal Medioevo all'avanguardia, Turin, Einaudi, 2015
PART B: E. Kris, O. Kurz, La leggenda dell'artista, Turin, Bollati Boringhieri, 1998
PART C: M. Baxandall, Pittura ed esperienze sociali nell'Italia del Quattrocento, Torino, Einaudi, 2001
EXAM PROGRAMME FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Knowledge of the development of art history (architecture, sculpture, painting) is required.
Any good textbook for secondary schools may be used for this purpose. Above all, however, visual knowledge of as many works of art as possible is required. It is therefore essential to visit churches and museums, starting with those in Milan, with the help of guides, among which the 'red' guides of the Italian Touring Club are recommended. It is also recommended to study the images in the series 'I classici dell'arte', published by Rizzoli, and those in the series 'I maestri del colore' and 'I maestri della scultura', published by Fabbri.
IN ADDITION TO KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ART HISTORY, AS VERIFIED BY A TEST OF RECOGNITION OF CERTAIN IMAGES, THE FOLLOWING READINGS ARE REQUIRED:
PART A: E. Castelnuovo, Ritratto e società in Italia. Dal Medioevo all'avanguardia, Turin, Einaudi, 2015
PART B: E. Kris, O. Kurz, La leggenda dell'artista, Turin, Bollati Boringhieri, 1998
PART C: M. Baxandall, Pittura ed esperienze sociali nell'Italia del Quattrocento, Torino, Einaudi, 2001
A. Chastel, Storia dell'arte italiana, I and II, Bari, Laterza, 2009
Assessment methods and Criteria
Examination oral only. The test, which is conducted in Italian, consists of an interview - preceded by a test of recognition of a number of images, from the Middle Ages to the contemporary age - on the history of art, the topics presented in class and the required readings.
A prerequisite for passing the exam is knowledge of the Italian language.
A prerequisite for passing the exam is knowledge of the Italian language.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
L-ART/04 - MUSEOLOGY, ART AND RESTORATION CRITICISM - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Part C
L-ART/04 - MUSEOLOGY, ART AND RESTORATION CRITICISM - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment
To be agreed upon. For specific needs also on Teams