Open MINDS Institute

Venice – ‘La Serenissima’ – the epic Queen of the Adriatic Sea was a magical place for art and culture in the 15th and 16th centuries. Join us for an in depth look at the Venetian Renaissance in a dynamic, fast-paced series of slide lectures offering you an expert understanding of art history. This breathtaking island city-state at the crossroads of the Middle East and Europe, was governed thorough a complex political, religious and cultural system. From this cauldron of diversity and energy came many of the greatest artists seeking glory, rich commissions, and pious blessings. Who were these masters of Venetian art? What were their influences and who did they in turn influence? In a series of five lectures we will explore works by Bellini, Giorgione and Titian, to name but a few. Beginning with the earliest movements away from their Byzantine roots and traveling through their understanding and exploitation of new innovative techniques we will gain a deeper appreciation for the grandeur of these artists. The final class will be an on-site tour of NYC’s incomparable Metropolitan Museum of Art, allowing us to experience the pinnacle of Venetian Renaissance art first hand.

FIONA GARLAND earned her MA in Art History from the Courtauld Institute of Art in London in 2011, specializing on the art of Venice. Her passion for art history and the stories it reveals about the artists, their patrons, and society in general has created an avid following for audiences in London and Connecticut. Teaching in a lively and engaging style, she has guided tours of art galleries and churches exploring London, Venice, and Ghent and across North America. Ms. Garland is a member of the Advisory Committee for the Bellarmine Museum of Art.