Berlin, Germany

Art in Germany from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century

when 5 August 2024 - 16 August 2024
language English
duration 2 weeks
credits 4 EC
fee EUR 1430

Throughout the course in Berlin, we will focus on the circumstances that shaped the production and reception of German art during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. During this long period, the formation of a German nation state and the problematic notion of a German national identity became connected to the question of a German style and artistic ‘expression’. You will learn all about this, while staying in the amazing city of Berlin.

A special focus will be given to the "Art of the two Germanys" between 1945 and 1989. We shall explore Germany’s vibrant art history by focussing in depth on works by artists like Martin Schongauer and Albrecht Dürer, Caspar David Friedrich, Karl Friedrich Schinkel and Adolph Menzel, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Otto Dix, Joseph Beuys and Anselm Kiefer. Visits include the following museums and galleries in Berlin: the Deutsche Historische Museum, the Gemäldegalerie, the Hamburger Bahnhof Museum and the Alte Nationalgallerie. The course aim is to give participants an overview of the different historical epochs and styles from the Middle Ages to the 20th century and to acquaint them with the cultural richness of art in Berlin and Germany.

NB: Wish to combine this course with an Art course in the Netherlands? This course is part of the track 'History of Art: Highlights in Germany and the Netherlands'. You can even extend this by adding our course in Florence, in the track 'History of Art: A Thousand Years of European Highlights'.

Course leader

Dr. Matthias Vollmer

Target group

In principle, the course is open to all students regardless of their field of study, but primarily it addresses art history students. An elementary knowledge of art and art history is advantageous, but not obligatory.

Course aim

Give participants an overview of the different historical epochs and styles from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Acquaint the students with the cultural richness of art in Berlin and Germany
Study load

Fee info

EUR 1430: Course + course materials
EUR 400: Housing fee (mandatory)

Register for this course
on course website