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Introduction to Art History
Online course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
So many periods of artistic developments, styles, and art movements! Have you ever wondered how to unravel these periods and feel confident about the context and history of the art produced? Join a host of popular V&A course tutors to explore hundreds of years of changing periods of artistic developments and styles in order to unravel how social, historical and technological changes impacted the art produced from Classical to Contemporary art in the Western world.
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 24 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 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.
V&A Academy Course Leader
Dr Jacqueline Cockburn
Dr Jacqueline Cockburn is an art historian and linguist. After a career in academic teaching at Birkbeck college, University of London and Westminster School, she is now a freelance lecturer. Jacqueline is Managing Director of Art and Culture Andalucía running residential courses in Andalucía, Southern Spain in the art and culture of the region.
I loved the lecturers who are completely steeped in the subject matter of their lectures. Previous V&A Academy Online Course Attendee
Course overview
This course will be an introduction to Western Art from the Classical World to the Contemporary World. We will explore the many ways Art History helps us to unravel those different movements and styles. You will understand how artists have shaped our world. We will explore how techniques changed, how literature and music impacted on our artists’ lives and work, how women artists made an increasingly important contribution to the art world. Looking at architecture, sculpture, paintings, metalwork, ivory carving, photographs, drawings, woodcuts, lithographs, and objects we will explore hundreds of years of Western art and get to know the men and women who made it.
V&A Academy Online. A learning environment you can trust.
Our courses are built using the latest Microsoft software. Tune in to expert lectures live or catch up on demand. Join discussions and continue your learning with downloadable handouts and presentations.
See FAQs to learn more about joining online.
See FAQs to learn more about joining online.
Enrol now
Online course: Introduction to Art History
24 September 2024 - 10 December 2024
£250.00
Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
Related events
Header image: Trellis Wallpaper 11/1862 (designed (pattern)), 01/02/1864 (design registered), 1864 (manufactured), Jeffrey & Co. (printer), Morris & Co. (publisher), Morris, William (designer)© Victoria and Albert Museum, London