Mapping Worlds: Medieval to Modern
–online, London, UK
The aim of this course is to explore how maps have served to order and represent physical, social and imaginative worlds from around 1200 to 1700. The focus is on the iconographic character of maps and the complex relation between art and science that is found in mapmaking throughout history. The students will be introduced to a wide range of images from different time periods and made for a variety of purposes, with the intent of drawing together art history, literature, philosophy and visual culture. Theoretical issues will be approached concerning, for example, the association of word and image, the definition of maps and their difference from views and diagrams, but the background and purpose of individual examples will be also discussed. These include medieval world maps produced as independent artifacts or drawn as book illustrations, mural map cycles of the Italian Renaissance, early modern prints made to identify and describe lands mentioned in the Bible. The course will investigate the creative and projective power of maps and their value as historical testimonies. Mnemonic and allegorical maps will be also approached.
The course will be taught across five x two hour classes online via the Zoom platform. Each session will have time for discussion. Reading lists will be made available to registered students.