History of Art

Themes in European Art 1450-1700

In this module, you’ll explore a special aspect of European art, from 1450 to 1700. You might examine a wide range of themes, including:

• Italian art from 1450 to 1550
• Italy and Northern Europe in the Sixteenth Century
• Netherlandish art of the Seventeenth Century.

You’ll discuss topical issues, such as:

• the relationship between artists and patrons 
• the subjects represented 
• workshop practice prints and their role in circulating artistic ideas
• the relationship between art and religion.

Themes in Modern Art

In this module, you’ll examine into European and American art, from 1850 to today. You’ll gain core analytical and aesthetic skills as you explore a range of topics. This might include anything from early modern architecture and design, to modernist artistic practices in Europe and the United States. You’ll gain a strong understanding of the following themes: 

• modernism and critiques of modernism
• the avant-garde (new and experimental ideas in art) 
• alternatives to main-stream modernism
• art and everyday life
• popular culture and technology
• art and politics
• gender and cultural diversity
• art markets and institutions
• new artistic media.

Field Work in Art History

In this module, you’ll be spending a week in Paris, one of the world’s most famous cities for art. You’ll gain core analytical skills and fresh insights for your History of Art degree. You’ll explore the city’s rich range of architecture, and its renowned galleries, museums and temporary exhibitions. You’ll benefit from the input of expert staff on guided visits, while having the freedom to explore sites and galleries independently, absorbing the city’s extraordinary paintings, sculptures and buildings. 

Themes in Eighteenth and Nineteenth-Century European Art

In this module, you’ll explore a special aspect of European art, from 1700 to 1900. You might examine a wide range of themes, including:

• Art in Eighteenth-Century France
• British Art from Hogarth to Turner
• Nineteenth-Century European Art.

This module pays particular attention to the social, political and economic contexts of art. You’ll gain an understanding of all or most of the following themes: 

• questions of nationalism and internationalism
• the importance of the art market and public exhibitions
• the development of academies
• relationships between different media
• artistic revivals
• and the rise of new audiences for art.

Oxford Buildings

In this module, you’ll explore Oxford’s famous buildings first-hand. You’ll gain valuable analytical skills for studying the History of Art, as you explore the buildings in their social, environmental and architectural contexts. You’ll benefit from studying buildings directly, and visiting their sites. You’ll visit a diverse range of buildings in Oxford, from the renowned Oxford colleges to the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre. 

Curatorial Practice

Do you dream of curating your own exhibition? Do you want to explore career options you didn’t know existed? In this module, you’ll gain direct and expert experience in curating displays and exhibitions of historic and contemporary art. You’ll learn the core issues in curating exhibitions, and explore themes such as: 

• theories of curating
• curating contemporary art
• curating historic exhibitions.

You’ll also look at the practical side of curation, including: 

• proposals
• loans
• funding
• displays
• lighting
• layout
• catalogues
• interpretation.

Independent Study in History of Art

This module gives you the chance to do independent study on a topic that fascinates you. You’ll have the support of our expert History of Art staff, while having the freedom to design your own topic alone or in a small group. Whether you’re responding to a current art exhibition, or a pressing issue in art history and criticism, you’ll shape your project around your passions and gain key research skills for your future career. 

History of Art Dissertation

In this module, you’ll have the chance to do independent research on a topic that fascinates you. You’ll have the support of our expert academics who guide you as you carry out research on your chosen topic. You’ll gain key skills for your chosen career, as you gain expertise in your topic and express the knowledge you’ve gained throughout your degree. 

History of Art Synoptic

In this module, you’ll identify and harness all of the skills and knowledge you’ve gained throughout your course. Through weekly discussions and debates, you’ll unlock your potential for a groundbreaking career. You’ll gain a strong and advanced understanding of your History of Art course content. You’ll make new connections between the ideas and content you’ve encountered in all your modules, giving you a critical knowledge of your course and ensuring you succeed in your degree. 

Advanced Independent Study in History of Art

This module gives you the opportunity to conduct an advanced level exploration of a subject not directly covered by the History of Art syllabus. In doing so, you’ll develop skills in independent research and analysis. 

You might choose to explore a response to a current exhibition, or investigate an issue in the field of art history or criticism. Alternatively, you might select a specialist topic related to another module, or connected to ongoing staff research. The topic will be a substantial one and you will design and carry out your study under the guidance and supervision of one or more members of the History of Art staff.

Advanced Seminar in History of Art 1

Advanced Seminar in History of Art 2

Work placements

There are many opportunities available to History of Art students in Oxford; you can gain work experience in museums, galleries, and auction houses. Our undergraduates have previously worked for the Ashmolean Museum, Modern Art Oxford, Sanders printsellers, and Mallams auctioneers. Our module on curatorial practice also offers direct experience of the theoretical and practical issues involved in curating displays and exhibitions.