Art and the City: Antiquity to Renaissance

Online course

+44 (0)20 7942 2000

Gain a unique perspective on the development of the arts by exploring their vibrant relationship between art, artists and the metropolis.

You can learn from our world-class experts wherever you are, whenever suits you: watch lectures live or view the recording later in your own time. You can experience the full breadth and depth of the V&A's collections with more than 40 hours of study over 12 weeks. Learn at your own pace: lecture recordings and study materials, lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials are available in our secure Microsoft Teams environment for up to 12 weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a thing. And finally, join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.

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course photo
Portrait of Course Director Kathy McLauchlan

Course Director
Kathy McLauchlan

Dr Kathy McLauchlan, art historian specialising in French painting and lecturer with the Arts Society, Morley College and Oxford University.

I feel quite spoiled by the level of expertise the course has given me access to. Previous V&A Academy Online Course Attendee

Course overview

The history of western civilization is interwoven with the growth of its cities, and in antiquity as today urban communities thrived on stories and images which described their origins and defined their identities. As cities developed, the arts increasingly came to symbolize their wealth and power, while painters, sculptors and architects shaped the urban environment. Expert lecturers examine the rise of the city in history and myth, with case studies on Babylon, Petra, Islamic cities of Spain, the ideal city and the rise of Venice.

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V&A Academy Online. A learning environment you can trust.

V&A Academy Online courses are built using the latest Microsoft software. Tune in to expert lectures live, or catch up later on demand. Download handouts and presentations. Join the discussion in a secure, closed class environment, wherever you are.

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Online course: Art and the City: Antiquity to Renaissance

18 September 2023 - 4 December 2023

£395.00

Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000

Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:

+44 (0)20 7942 2000

Open 9.30 - 17.30, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)

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