RUSS 222 - Six Masterpieces: Exploring the Treasures of the Hermitage Museum (in English)

Semester Offered: Spring
0.5 unit(s)

The Hermitage, founded in the 18^th century as the depository of art treasures acquired by Russian tsars, is one of the world’s greatest museums. For the past fifteen years our students have been able to study at the Hermitage through a unique JYA program conducted by Vassar. Under the current special circumstances, this course brings the Hermitage to Vassar by showcasing six of its masterpieces selected by our Russian colleagues. Six Zoom sessions are conducted live by the Hermitage curators and members of the museum’s Education Department. The choice of subjects highlights the immense diversity of the museum’s collection and includes masterpieces of both West European and Oriental art, and also some of its magnificent architecture (the museum complex occupies a number of historical buildings in the heart of St. Petersburg, including the Winter Palace, the main imperial residence ). These sessions serve as a point of departure for your further exploration of the museum. Nikolai Firtich.

Prerequisite(s): Introductory coursework in Art History or Russian Studies, or permission of the instructor.

One 2-hour period and individual conferences with the instructor.

Course Format: INT