Level 2 Art History

This course explores the rich and complex development of French art from the late 18th to the late 19th century, a period marked by revolution, industrialisation, and profound cultural change. Beginning with the disciplined classicism of Jacques-Louis David and moving through the emotional intensity of Romanticism, the social realism of Courbet and Millet, and the luminous innovations of the Impressionists, students will trace the ways in which artists responded to and challenged the values of their time. As France experienced political upheaval, urban expansion, and technological progress, artists turned their attention to new subjects: the lives of ordinary people, the fleeting effects of light, and the experience of modern life. The course culminates with the bold, expressive work of Vincent Van Gogh, whose style highlighted a move toward modernist thinking and individual expression. Through visual analysis, historical context, and critical discussion, students will gain a deeper understanding of how art reflects and shapes society. This course lays the foundation for appreciating the radical shifts that led to the birth of modern art.