Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/gender-art
The Coursera course ‘Sexing the Canvas: Art and Gender’ offers a compelling journey into understanding how gender and sexuality are embedded in art throughout history. Led by expert curators and art historians, this course challenges traditional perceptions and encourages participants to view masterpieces through a gendered lens.
The course’s structure is thoughtfully organized, starting with foundational theories about gender and sexuality, exemplified by unique interpretations of artworks like Tiepolo’s Cleopatra, which emphasizes female agency contrary to typical representations. It then delves into the culture of sensibility in the eighteenth century, highlighting how masculinity and femininity were depicted and perceived.
One of the standout segments includes an analysis of Gainsborough’s Portrait of Richard St George Mansergh-St George, and his works at the Huntington Gallery, which explore masculinity, effeminacy, and the boundaries of gender and sexuality. The exploration of French courtly painting by Professor Jennifer Milam reveals how erotic and playful representations of gender were woven into courtly art.
Further, the course examines orientalist depictions in Morocco, feminist reinterpretations of Rousseau’s mythic women, and how scientific ideas influenced modernist artists like Matisse and Cezanne. It also considers contemporary works by Frida Kahlo, Glyn Philpot, and indigenous Australian art, broadening the scope to global and modern contexts.
This course is highly recommended for anyone interested in art history, gender studies, and cultural analysis. It provides valuable insights into how artworks do not just reflect but actively shape societal notions of gender and sexuality. The engaging lectures, well-curated content, and diverse perspectives make this course a vital addition to your learning journey.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a student, or a curious learner, ‘Sexing the Canvas’ is a thought-provoking, educational experience that will deepen your understanding of the complex relationship between art and gender.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/gender-art