Course description
How does a work of art become an integral part of art history?
Art History: 1860 to Today offers an introduction to the histories of Western modern and contemporary art and provides a foundation in the knowledge and skills of art history. Focusing on critical figures including Manet, Cassat, Picasso, Duchamp, and Koons, as well as essential styles and movements such as Cubism, Surrealism, Pop Art, and Minimalism, this course moves from charting the rise of Impressionism in nineteenth-century Paris to examining the impact of globalization on art practice in the twenty-first century. Each week’s online discussions and activities lead students through the relevant themes of a particular period, so students can develop their visual analysis skillset and practice writing and discussing art with specific and essential terminology.
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 5 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: Explore the roots of Modern art through impressionism and post-impressionism.
Week 2: Examine Art Nouveau, Cubism and Expressionism.
Week 3: Explore the heroic Avant-Garde and Surrealist movements
Week 4: Discuss Classicism, Photojournalism and Art Deco.
Week 5: Examine post-war art, the New York School, and the International Modern.
Week 6: Understand the birth of contemporary art through the lens of Pop, Postmodernism, and Minimalism.
Week 7: Explore art of the 1980’s with focus on heroism and activism.
Week 8: Learn about the global contemporary shift by examining relational art and everyday life.
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...