Art History 865
Seminar in American Art: Material Culture of the Enlightenment: Art, Technology, Design

This interdisciplinary graduate seminar analyzes how light was created, manipulated, depicted, and ultimately transformed in Britain and America between 1660 and 1860. It ranges widely to examine artistic effect, technical achievement, philosophical debate, and human experience. Core themes include: new scientific discoveries and technologies, how light was understood and depicted, the marvels of lighting, gleam and shimmer in early decorative arts and interiors, and how banishing the night through artificial lighting changed everyday life.

P: Instructor consent only. Priority given to Art History grads.