Studies in Baroque Art

"Publish or perish" has long been a mantra of academic culture. Even though, in early modern art history, the expected pace is often a book every five to seven years, accompanied by several articles, the principle very much applies. In this seminar, we will read books published over the past two years on the art of the long seventeenth century, broadly understood. Our goal is not only to understand what leading and emerging art historians are currently interested in, but also to examine how they construct a compelling scholarly book. We will study how arguments are developed, structured, supported by evidence, and made persuasive through language. We will also consider how ideas are communicated and how the past is brought to life through engaging prose. Through close reading, discussion, and analytical writing, this seminar is designed to help you become a more conscientious, attentive, and effective writer.

Instructor: T. Grusiecki