Course description
From Egypt’s mythic symbolism to Warhol’s pop sensibility, this course explores significant artists and examines key art objects that illustrate and explain the unfolding of Western art history.
Course lectures provide diverse contexts and ways of looking and interpreting art objects with an emphasis on developing an independent and confident approach to seeing — and finding meaning in — works of art. This course guides participants through the process of how to analyze, interpret, and communicate effectively about art.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
For successfully completing this course, you receive a verified Certificate of Completion from Sotheby’s Institute of Art as well as 2.6 IACET Continuing Education Units. *
Our digital certificates allow you to share new skills with various social media platforms, including LinkedIn. Successful completion is defined by each instructor in the course syllabus and consists, at the least, of regular, thoughtful participation in online activities and timely submission of assigned papers or projects.
*As an IACET Accredited Provider, Sotheby’s Institute of Art offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.
Training Course Content
Week 1: Examine the arts of the ancient Mediterranean, from Egyptian pyramids to Greek sculpture.
Week 2: Uncover the arts of the Medieval period, with focus on objects, manuscripts, and architecture.
Week 3: Explore the Renaissance art and Baroque art movements.
Week 4: Examine 19th century art and the rise of Modernism.
Week 5: Learn about early 20th century Modern art through a study of Cubism, Futurism, and Constructivism.
Week 6: Explore Post-WW2 art from Abstract Expressionism to Pop Art.
Course delivery details
Award-winning online course
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Sotheby's Institute of Art
Sotheby’s auction house was founded in 1744 when Samuel Baker, an entrepreneur, occasional publisher, and successful businessman held his first auction. Today at Sotheby’s Institute, we emphasize a keen understanding of an object’s value and history, a spirit of inquiry...