A NEW PROGRAM OF GALLERY TALKS
FOR COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Great nations write their autobiographies in three manuscripts -- the book of their deeds, the book of their words, and the book of their art. Not one of these books can be understood unless we read the two others, but of the three the only trustworthy one is the last.
--John Ruskin, St. Mark's Rest, 1877
Both introductory and advanced talks are available. The introductory series, Varieties of Visual Experience, presents fundamental approaches to the visual arts. The advanced series, Special Topics in the Visual Arts, illuminates particular historical periods or themes in western art. All of the talks take place in the galleries in a format that encourages discussion between the lecturer and the students.
This program was devised by the Education Division's Department of Adult Programs in collaboration with an advisory committee whose members include faculty from local colleges and universities.
1. The Old Master Collection: The Language of Art
A talk presenting the elements of formal analysis, categories of western art, the secular and sacred functions of art, and the vocabulary used to describe and interpret paintings. Recommended as the first of two talks, to precede The Old Master Collection: The Artists' Choices. These two related talks also may be scheduled as individual sessions.
2. The Old Master Collection: The Artists' Choices
Pairs of paintings depicting related subjects are the basis for a discussion of artists' choices of style, technique, and material. The social and historical context in which these works were created will also be considered. Recommended as the second of a two-part series, to follow The Old Master Collection: The Language of Art. These two related talks also may be scheduled as individual sessions.
3. The Twentieth-Century Collection: An Introduction
An introduction to the century's major artistic movements, including fauvism, cubism, abstract expressionism, pop art, and post modernism, the talk examines these art styles through formal analysis. Issues of context, content, and working methods are explored, providing background for an informed approach to twentieth-century art.
THEMES AND HISTORICAL PERIODS
4. Classical Myth
Artists continued to find inspiration in classical myth long after the demise of the civilizations that first gave voice to these narratives. Selected paintings and sculpture from the Gallery's Renaissance and baroque collections are analyzed with reference to the ancient literary sources on which they were based.
5. Representations of Women
Selected paintings depicting women from the Bible, classical myth, and history are the focus of this talk. The discussion includes an appraisal of the roles of women and the connections between painted images, artists, and contemporary social and historical conditions.
6. European Painting from 1250 to 1550: Renaissance to Reformation
A group of works, reflecting European painting between 1250 and 1550, is the focus of a discussion of symbolism in the medieval period; humanism in the Renaissance; pan-European developments in science, theology, and philosophy; the rise of portraiture; and the impact of the Reformation on both subject and style.
7. American Painting in the Nineteenth Century: The Quest for National Identity
An examination of American painting throughout the nineteenth century, with an emphasis on landscape and portraiture. Selected works are discussed in light of the American literary tradition, political expansionism, industrialization, populism, and the ramifications of the Civil War.
8. French Painting in the Nineteenth Century: Revolution to Republic
This talk focuses places several key monuments in the French paintings collection within a cultural, social, and political context. The discussion addresses the aftermath of the revolution, the rise of empire under Napoleon, the Industrial Revolution, the advent of socialism, and provides a mini survey of some of the most important artists and trends of the century.
To book a specific gallery talk, faculty members should call (202) 842-6247. To assure proper scheduling, please mention the College and University program. Talks generally last about an hour. Appointments may be booked up to four months in advance, but require a minimum of three weeks' notice. This program is free-of-charge, but availability is limited.
MUSEUM HOURS
Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Open every day of the year except December 25 and January 1.
Admission, tours, and exhibitions are free at all times.
LOCATION
Constitution Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets, N.W.
Metrorail stops: Judiciary Square on the Red Line and Archives on the Yellow/Green Lines.
Metrobus stops: 4th and 7th Streets, N.W.
ACCESSIBILITY
The 6th Street entrance to the West Building and the 4th Street entrance to the East Building are accessible to visitors with disabilities. Limited parking, for vehicles displaying the {INSERT HANDICAPPED LOGO} identification, is available at the East Building entrance.
MUSEUM SHOPS
Museum shops offer reproductions and slide sets of works of art in the National Gallery of Art as well as catalogues and books on the collections. Educators are eligible for a 20% discount on many items by mail order only. For information call (202) 842-6466.
The Department of Teacher and School Programs presents in-service sessions intended for University level Education classes. Individually planned sessions examine the role of art in school curricula both as aesthetic object and document of historical context, with emphasis on methods for developing critical thinking and inquiry. Workshops can be structured as issue-based seminars or as object-based gallery talks; each includes an overview of National Gallery programs and resources for teachers. To schedule, call the Department of Teacher and School Programs at (202) 842-6261.