ARTH640 - Art and Religion in the New World

Prof. Monica Dominguez Torres
Seminar Hours: Thursday 10 am -1 pm

Seminar Location: 325 Old College

Office Location: 118A Old College

Office Hours: Wednesday 4-6 pm or by appointment
Email: monicadt@udel.edu

Course Description | Requirements | Grading | Calendar |Research Resources

Offered in conjunction with the exhibition Treasures/Tesoros/Tesouros: The Arts in Latin America, 1492-1820 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this seminar analyses a broad range of artifacts created in Latin America from 1492 to the early 19th century according to the particular religious system(s) in which they were created. Focusing on authentic colonial pieces, we will explore the impact of contrasting religious traditions – Amerindian, African and European – in the artistic production of Latin America.

Textbook

Bailey, Gauvin Alexander. The Art of Colonial Latin America (Phaidon Press, 2005)

Additional readings

Since class discussion is a key element for a seminar, each week we will discuss a number of specialized articles and book chapters. Refer to the Calendar section below to find a list of readings for each session. Copies of those readings will be available through the Art History department (318 Old College).

There will be four assignments throughout the term:

· PMA exhibit & catalogue review (15%) – Due Sept 28

· Book review (25%) – Due November 2

· Short article on one of the pieces at the PMA exhibit (10-15 pags) (25%) – Due December 4

· 10-15 min. public presentation at the PMA colloquium (25%)

The remaining 10% of the final grade would be assessed taking into account attendance and class participation.

Find below a list of the topics to be covered every week. Click on the link to see a list of the readings assigned for that session.

Aug 31 Introduction to the Course

Sep 7 Historiographic Review: Mestizaje, Syncretism and Hybridity in Colonial Latin America

Sep 14 The Craft of Religion: Materials, Techniques and Workshops in the New World

Sep 21 Visit to the PMA Exhibit

Sep 28 Communicating with the Spiritual Other: Art in the New World Missions

Oct 5 Art, Ritual and Power in the New World: The Political Dimensions of Religious Art

Oct 12 Private Devotions: The Rituals of Everyday Life

Oct 19 Visions, Miracles, and Saints: Devotions for a New World

Oct 26 Expurgating Images: Idolatry, Art and Censorship

Nov 2 Between Purgatory and Heaven: The Art of Death

Nov 9 Motherhood and Sanctity: Religion, Women and the Arts

Nov 16 Preparation to the PMA colloquium – Part I

Nov 17 PMA colloquium – Part I

Nov 30 Preparation to the PMA colloquium – Part II

Dec 1 PMA colloquium – Part II

Bibliographic resources

Electronic resources