Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/historia-arte-prehistorico-renacimiento

Art, as Edvard Munch wisely stated, stems from a fundamental human desire to communicate. This innate drive has been leaving its mark on the world since the dawn of prehistory. But what do these early artistic expressions tell us about the periods from which they originate? The Coursera course, ‘Historia del Arte: Del Arte Prehistórico al Renacimiento’ (Art History: From Prehistoric Art to the Renaissance), offers a captivating exploration into this very question.

This course takes you on a chronological journey, starting with the earliest artistic testimonies of humanity. You’ll delve into the prehistoric era, analyzing cave paintings, sculptures, and megaliths. The first module, ‘Arte Prehistórico y Arte en el Antiguo Egipto,’ brilliantly sets the stage by examining the foundational elements of art and its profound connection to rituals and religion in Ancient Egypt. It thoughtfully probes the role of art when imbued with magical or transcendental value, and how its production and relationship with its creators differed in an era before our modern concept of ‘Art’ existed.

The second module, ‘Arte Prehelénico y en la Grecia Antigua,’ transports you to the artistic landscapes of Ancient Greece. It begins with pre-Hellenic art from the Cycladic Islands, Crete, and Mycenae, dating back to 3000 BC. The journey then continues to the Peloponnese, where you’ll study the pivotal civilization that would become a benchmark for subsequent artistic productions.

Moving forward, ‘El arte romano antiguo y en la Edad Media’ covers two significant periods. In Ancient Rome, you’ll discover the diverse functions of art and its adherence to distinct rules, exploring Roman admiration for Greek predecessors and art’s utilization as a political tool. This segues into the art of the Middle Ages, tracing the evolution from early Christian art in the catacombs, through Romanesque churches, culminating in the awe-inspiring Gothic cathedrals.

Finally, the course concludes with ‘Renacimiento y Manierismo.’ This module focuses on the universally fascinating Italian Renaissance, examining its foundations in relation to nature and classical antiquity as a model. You’ll also gain insight into Mannerism, the final stage of this influential period.

Overall, ‘Historia del Arte: Del Arte Prehistórico al Renacimiento’ is an excellent introductory course for anyone interested in understanding the evolution of art from its earliest forms to the cusp of the Renaissance. The content is well-structured, informative, and presented in an engaging manner. I highly recommend this course for its comprehensive overview and insightful analysis of key periods in art history.

Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/historia-arte-prehistorico-renacimiento