Participants in UBCO’s new course “Western Europe Transformed: Art in the Gothic Era” will learn about the dramatic cathedrals and stained glass windows like the North Rose Window of France’s Chartres Cathedral. Creative Commons image, courtesy of Allie Caulfield.
Anyone who has stood in wonder while visiting a European cathedral or Gothic building, wondering how such architectural marvels were constructed, will appreciate the newest offering from UBC Okanagan Continuing and Professional Education.
Starting April 26, UBCO is presenting “Western Europe Transformed: Art in the Gothic Era.” The new course explores how dramatic cultural and religious transformations manifested through soaring cathedrals, luminous stained glass and intricate illuminated manuscripts during this pivotal period of European history, explains Dr. Hussein Keshani, Art History and Visual Culture Program Coordinator.
“The Gothic period of European art and architecture is fascinating,” he adds. “In our upcoming course, participants will dive into how Europeans celebrated Christianity—a faith that began in the Middle East. They will also explore the complex relationship between these regions, which still influences our culture and politics today.”
Dr. Keshani says this latest offering follows an enthusiastic community response to its inaugural medieval art course “Through a Glass Darkly” launched in December. This newest course invites participants to unravel the mystical beauty of Gothic art and architecture.
He notes there was strong community interest in the first course, and this reflects a broader desire for people to engage meaningfully with visual culture.
Course instructor Elizabeth Loeffler says that while the Gothic course naturally follows the progression of December’s European art history, newcomers are welcome to attend.
“Although the content builds from the material in the Romanesque course, I will be laying the groundwork for learning about Gothic art and architecture with the same core fundamentals, and introducing works without assuming that learners have prior knowledge of terms and historical figures.”
Loeffler sees the Gothic course as an opportunity to continue exploring the visual language of the Middle Ages.
“Art and architecture in the Middle Ages were overwhelmingly expressions of a collective desire to touch the Divine, a godhead that could only be seen imperfectly through the eyes of humanity in a mundane world,” she says. “In the Gothic era, this desire was evidenced by the mystical use of light and increased height in church spaces, as well as the proliferation of sculptural decoration and painted works. Additionally, illuminated manuscripts reveal the unique worldview of individual patrons who commissioned their creations. We’ll also see that artists could be incredibly imaginative and were not without a sense of humour.”
The six-week course explores how Western Europe experienced profound change during the Gothic period, examining buildings and artwork infused with Christian mystical themes. Participants will enhance their ability to read and interpret the visual arts from this time of cultural exchange and transformation.
The course, offered by the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, is available through UBC Okanagan Continuing and Professional Education and costs $195. Classes will take place on campus on Saturdays from 1 to 3 pm starting April 26. No prior experience or participation in the previous Romanesque course is required.
For more information and to register, visit: cpe.ok.ubc.ca/courses/western-europe-transformed-art-in-the-gothic-era
