3101 - Artists & Their Royal Patrons

Course Description

Through lectures, images and discussions, let Carolyn Harris lead you through a lively exploration of the relations between great artists and their royal patrons. For centuries, artists sought out royal patrons to advance their careers. European monarchs were eager to fill their courts with artists to demonstrate their own acumen and prestige. These include Hans Holbein and Henry VIII, Leonardo da Vinci and François I, Anthony van Dyck and Charles I, Peter Paul Rubens and Marie de Medici, and Élisabeth Vigée-LeBrun and Marie Antoinette. We will look at Catherine the Great, who helped found the Hermitage Museum, and Queen Elizabeth II, who was appreciated as a "curator monarch" for her part in opening the British Royal Collection to the public. King Charles III, an amateur watercolourist, continues to publicize the great works in the Royal Collection. You'll learn more about the collaboration and tension between royalty and artists that produced some of Europe's most famous works of art and established collections now featured in great museums around the world.

Learning Outcomes

Explore the impact of royal art patronage on public art galleries around the world

Compare and contrast the artistic tastes of different monarchs

Explore the careers of famous artists who developed their careers at royal courts

Examine royal portraits their role in shaping the public of monarchs

Discuss the relationship between royalty and the arts today and innovative new artistic collaborations