A unique six-week online programme to introduce the artistic movements that erupted in European painting during the first half of the twentieth century.
From the Fauvism of Matisse to the Surrealism of Magritte, this six-week programme will introduce you to the many artistic movements that erupted in European painting during the first half of the twentieth century. Along the way you will meet the most important European artists, such as Picasso, Mondrian, Duchamp and Dali, amongst many others. You will learn about the radical developments that transformed European art, and about some of the great works that have sold at Christie’s. In special features that accompany the course, you will also learn about the market for Modern art, and how it developed from collectors buying directly from artists, to today’s sales of their works for tens and even hundreds of millions of dollars. This series of exclusive video interviews gives you access to those who helped build the market for modern art, and those currently at the forefront of it.
Exclusive interviews feature:
Peter Johnson, Rockefeller Family Historian, on the Rockefeller collections of modern art
Stephen Lash, Christie’s Chairman Emeritus, on the restitution and sale of the major Klimts of Adele Bloch-Bauer
Christopher Burge and John Lumley, in conversation, on sourcing works of modern art and how they built the market from the 1960s to the 1990s
Michelle McMullan, Christie’s Senior Specialist, on the determinants of value in modern paintings
Rebecca Wei, Ex-Christie’s Chairman Asia, on trends in collecting modern art in Asian regions
Giovanna Bertazzoni, Christie’s Co-Chairman of Impressionist & Modern Art, on today’s market for modern art
What you will learn:
You will have gained a solid understanding of the development of modern art in Europe in the first half of the twentieth century
You will be able to identify the major movements, styles and artists active in Europe during this period
You will understand how modern artists looked to each other, to the past, and across cultures as they developed their innovative styles
You will have learned that modern artists were at the vanguard of the visual arts, actively seeking to understand and develop the meaning of ‘art’
You will have learned how the First World War and major societal shifts impacted the lives of artists and their practice
You will be introduced to Modernist works sold at Christie’s, and seen how the history of Modernism is traceable through works at auction
In a series of special features, you will be introduced to the stories of those active at the important moments in the market for modern art, and will have learned about today’s global market, the boom years of the 1980s, major collectors of the early years of modern art, as well as how modern art is valued and authenticated today
Watch an excerpt from Session Four: Futurism, Suprematism, De Stijl. After having learnt about the development of these movements and the artists working within them, this excerpt takes students through an in-depth study of a single work by Piet Mondrian and an exploration of its value.
Online courses are designed for students to study when it is most convenient for them. Our pre-recorded lectures are filmed with documentary-style production values, taking you on a narrative-led journey through your chosen subject.
Each module's lecture lasts for approximately one hour.
Our courses are arranged in modules, containing your lectures and special features. Each week, a new module will open for you to study, allowing you to explore the content at your own pace. Typically, our courses consist of six modules overall.
During your time on the course, your Tutor will provide:
Frequent art world announcements.
Opportunities to ask questions and request tutor guidance.
Tutor-initiated discussions filled with stimulating questions on course topics or art world news.
Art History courses have optional written assignments with detailed and supportive individual feedback to help develop ideas and enrich analytical skills and understanding.
Art Business and Luxury courses have optional multiple-choice assignments to consolidate learning and track progress.
Further benefits
Handouts and English subtitles are provided to reinforce your learning.
Networking with fellow students.
You have three weeks after the course has finished to complete your assignments and discuss the course with your tutor.
All video lectures and course materials remain available to students for six months after assignments close.
If you complete all the assignments and complete the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. Certificates are not available for self-directed courses.
Additional Information
The course will require between two to three hours of study time per week. There will be further reading and weekly assignments.
Technical Requirements
The course is facilitated through an online learning environment that is compatible with most modern browsers. It is the responsibility of students to have the proper hardware and software required to participate, along with access to WiFi. The basic technical requirements can be found in the FAQs.
Terms and Conditions
Please ensure you read carefully through our terms and conditions before enrolling on a course.
Lectures developed and written by Mari Griffith with additional material by William Paton. Presented by Ben Street. Online tutoring throughout the course is by Christie’s Education faculty.Contact
