Aims

By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- use the main tools of bibliographic reference, iconographic classification and electronic referencing
- analyse the message behind the composition and the relation between the forms (syntax) and the colours and materials selected by the artist
- operationalise the notion of the function of an image
- recognise the characters and the scenes portrayed in the iconographic collections of Greek and Roman mythology and the Bible.

Main themes

This course introduces students to methods of analysing images as a source of information, as a means of communication and mode of expression and as an object to be interpreted by the archaeologist and art historian.

Content and teaching methods

1/ Lectures by Prof. P.Voûte: -Notions and definitions concerning the eikon-imago.
-The language of images: *Lexical and denotative conventions, iconic elements, gestures, signifying roots and shapes. Introduction to the main iconographic lexikons and dictionaries and how to use them. *Syntax and connotation ; semantic range and iconic "synonyms"; the problem of iconic homonyms and of identification. -Signifying conventions pertaining to iconic language : colours, lights, composition, axes… -The image, its material support and technique, and the comprehensive reading of their functions and shapes. *The relation between the image and the viewer :perspectival and spatial conceptions; viewing angle and framing. -Great repertories :*the defensive image; *the beneficial image. *Old Testament, New Testament, saints and main allegories. -The iconographical Typology. -Functional context : an introduction to the main "decorative programmes" in profane and religious contexts.
2/ Lectures by Prof. E.De Waele : -The traditional iconological analysis : description, iconography, iconology. -The creation of images, combinations of matter and programme. -The sources of the artistic image : text, image and environment. -Great repertories :*Graeco-roman divinities, cycles, and myths.

Method :
Lectures illustrated by projections. Commented visits to exhibitions and thematic collections.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

The assessment is based on two iconological essays on art works figuring a mythological subject and a biblical subject working according to complementary methods and on a final written exam.

Other credits in programs