Mock Syllabus on Aeneas' Flight from Troy

Part 1 - From Virgil to Barocci

In part one, the epic poem which inspired Barocci will be briefly discussed to give background information on the theme of the painting.

     Key Questions
          Who is shown in the painting?
          What is its importance in Italian culture?
                                             in Renaissance art?
          How is this theme different from other Renaissance works of art in the way of Classicism?

       

     Readings
           Paul, The Borghese Collections, pg 91-2
       

Part 2 - Patronage and History of the Piece

The main focus of part two will discuss the historical background of the piece, why the piece was made and who it was commissioned for.

     Key Questions
          When was the piece created?
          Why was the theme chosen
          Where is the piece located today?
          Who was the piece created for?
          Was the piece handed down? Were others created?

     Readings
          Richards, "A Study for Aeneas' Flight from Troy", pg. 63-5
          Paul, The Borghese Collections and the Display of Art in the Age of the Grand Tour, pg. 1-5

Part 3 - Barocci's Use of Colour and its Effect

Part three will focus on the colour used in the painting and how it effects such things as the environment, the mood and the way we view the painting.

     Key Questions
          How does the colour set the atmosphere of the painting?
          How does the contrast effect the way we view the central figures to the rest of the painting?
          What do certain colours represent?

      Readings
          Lingo, Federico Barocci, pg. 201-4, 189-192    

Part 4 - The Renaissance Take on Classical Architecture

The fourth and final part will discuss the architecture shown in the painting.

     Key Questions
          What style was used?
          What inspired the structure in the background?
          Where can we see the Renaissance view on Classical architecture?

     Readings
          Lingo, Federico Barocci, pg.179-180, 185-6



*For full bibliography see the Revised Visual Analysis