Medieval Light - Lux medii aevi

The term "Middle Ages" was an invention of Renaissance humanists: they spoke of the "dark Middle Ages" to distinguish themselves from the preceding period and connect themselves directly to Antiquity. The philosopher Duns Scotus, who lived in the 14th century, formulated it this way: "Everything that exists is unique; man as such did not exist, but a certain unique man did."

The course consists of ten lectures in September-November:

21.9. The concept of the Middle Ages from an art history perspective
29.9. Foundations of Christianity's visual language and beauty in the church's service
5.10. The development of Christian symbolism and iconography
19.10. The church as a building - a prefiguration of heaven
26.10. The rose window
2.11. The Virgin Mary - queen of heaven and compassionate intercessor
9.11. Christian meditation on suffering - devotio moderna and its reflection in art
16.11. Medieval manuscripts as sources of visual renewal
23.11. Saints as models for medieval people
30.11. Observations on the visual programmes in Finland's medieval churches

Week 42 (autumn break) has no classes.

Work is conducted at the student's own responsibility. Familiarize yourself with the Helsinki Workers' Institute safety guide for visual arts before the course begins: https://tyovaenopisto.hel.fi/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/S19-Tyovis-turvallisuusopas-kuvataide-fin-p.pdf - When acquiring possible art materials, ensure that user instructions, information about material composition, and any safety data sheets are available. If required, this information must be provided in writing to the course organizer.