Lectures For Lifelong Learners!

This presentation examines the decorative scheme of the Sistine Chapel, beginning with its wall cycle in the 1480s and focusing primarily on Michelangelo’s completion of the ceiling in 1508-12. The iconographic plan of the entire chapel’s decoration will be considered, as will changes in Michelangelo’s painting style as the project progressed.

This presentation discusses the history of the Family Dog Denver through the posters created for it in 1967-68. This short-lived rock and roll club in south Denver was the epicenter of watershed changes in culture, music, and art. Using the posters as our guides, this presentation traces the musical, artistic, and cultural legacy of the Family Dog Denver.

(with Dan Obarski)
This event begins with the screening of The Tale of the Dog – a 100-minute documentary on the Family Dog Denver, produced by Scott B. Montgomery and Dan Obarski. The award-winning film tells the story of the Family Dog Denver – a rock club in Denver – that operated as the hub of hippie counterculture activity in 1967-68. The screening will be followed by a Question and Answer discussion with the two directors/producers.

This presentation traces the origins and development of the Psychedelic Poster Movement in San Francisco during the mid to late 1960s. From its origins in 1965, through the developmental stages of 1966, and on the the blossoming of 1967’s “Summer of Love,” the psychedelic poster emerged as one of the most prominent visual elements of the emerging hippie counterculture. Frequently advertising rock concerts, these posters reveal tremendous artistry and the development of a distinct artistic style.

This presentation examines the competition for holy patronage of the city of Florence during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The Baptistery of San Giovanni centered the cult of John the Baptist in the heart of town, while the monastery of San Miniato al Monte asserted the presence of St. Minias on the hill above the city. Examining architecture, mosaic, painting, and sculpture, this presentation discusses how the cult of saints was visually articulated in medieval Florence.

This presentation examines the work of Hieronymus Bosch (circa 1450-1516) as a pivotal figure in the transition to early Modernity in painting. Bosch’s keen observation of humanity and often humorous commentary on our foibles, coupled with his fantastic visionary qualities, make him one of the most beloved artists of the visionary tradition. Strongly moralizing, though full of humorous reflection upon our human nature, Bosch’s work continues to fascinate audiences.

This presentation surveys some of the major mosaic cycles of the 5th and 6th century in Ravenna, Italy. The imagery and style of these mosaic cycles will be considered in their historical contexts. Mosaics examined include those in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, San Vitale, Sant’ Appollinaire Nuovo, and Sant’ Appollinaire in Classe.

This presentation focuses on the art of Pieter Bruegel the Elder (c.1525-1569), one of the most significant painters of 16th century Flanders and Holland. His often whimsical takes on human behavior and society paved the way for new arenas in painting, particularly in the realm of social commentary.

This presentation examines the art of Jan van Eyck (c.1390-1441), one of the most significant painters of early fifteenth century Flanders. Often credited with helping develop the art of oil painting, his work for courtly and church patrons defined the visual presentation of the late Gothic era in painting. His crystalline visions of sacred stories and ideas still fascinate audiences with their staggering detail.

This presentation examines the art of Giotto di Bondone (c.1267-1337), arguably the greatest painter of early fourteenth-century Italy. Often credited with great development in naturalism and human expression in painting, Giotto’s works adorn numerous churches in Florence and beyond. This presentation will focus primarily on his most famous fresco cycle in the Scrovegni (Arena) Chapel in Padua.

This presentation will examine the art of Sandro Botticelli (c.1445-1510), one of the principal painters of Renaissance Florence. Known for both his religious work and secular imagery rife with classical reference, Botticelli was considered one of the leading painters of his day, catering to clerics and Humanists alike. While working for a variety of patrons, including the pope, he is best known for his work for the Medici family.

This presentation examines the role of art in the rise and spread of the cult of St. Ursula and the Eleven Thousand Virgins of Cologne – one of the largest groupings of saints in the European Middle Ages. Surveying the relics, reliquary images, and altarpieces related to this saintly veneration, this talk sheds light on the functioning of art in Medieval Europe.

This talk explores the medieval pilgrimage to the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Seen through the lens of an art historian walking the 1,000 mile pilgrimage during the summer of 2000, this talk explores the intersection of medieval history, art, and the contemporary pilgrim experience.

This talk surveys the art of Mannerism in 16th century Italy, with a particular emphasis of the rise of garden design. From the Medici villas and gardens to the Parco dei Mostri (park of the monsters) in Bomarzo, this talk explores some of the more dramatic and playful garden designs of the 16th century. It also examines the art of Giuseppe Arcimboldo, known for his playful Mannerist paintings of vegetable faces and such contrivances.

This talk examines the West Portal (Porte Royale) of Chartres Cathedral, dative circa 1145-55. Issues of style and iconography will be explored in an endeavor to explain the function and meaning of a Gothic church portal.

This talk examines the fascination with, and reference to, Classical (Greco-Roman) antiquity during the Renaissance. Examining painting and sculpture, the talk addresses the meaning(s) of Antiquity in a Renaissance context. From Raphael to Michelangelo and more, the talk explores the resurgence of classical themes and forms in Renaissance art.

This talk explores the development of the print – in both woodcut and engraving – during the Renaissance in Europe. Over the course of the 15th century graphic media (prints) emerged and evolved into ever increasing sophistication, culminating in the genius of Albrecht Durer.

This talk explores the art work of Albrecht Durer with particular attention to the emergence of modern notions of the artist circa 1500. With his explorations of self, identity, and artistic capability, Durer helped pave the way for the evolution of Early Modern art and the increased standing of the artist…now acknowledged as genius.