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Modern Art

Abstract:: This course covers the various artistic movements that comprise 19th- and 20th-century modern art, including Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Art Nouveau, Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop Art, among others. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to: define the term “modern art,” and explain the factors and ideas that make (or made) artworks “modern”; identify the key art movements of the 19th and 20th centuries that comprise the modern art era; list the principal artists from each movement, and accurately identify seminal works of art by those artists; compare and contrast a number of important artworks and identify just what makes these particular works modern and, most importantly, what makes these works true achievements that allowed for future developments in the arts; build a presentable and accurate timeline of the progression of modern art movements. Note that this course has been developed through a special partnership with The Art Story Foundation; please see the resource for more information. This free course may be completed online at any time. (Art History 208)

Read the Fine Print

Van Gogh's Van Goghs

Abstract:: This site features nine paintings, a history, and a chronology of the life of this ingenious Dutch painter. Van Gogh was 27 years old when he decided to become an artist after unsuccessful attempts at being an art dealer, a teacher, and a clergyman. He taught himself mostly by studying the prints and reproductions he collected. The paintings he produced before his death at age 37 set the direction for many of the expressionist tendencies in 20th century art.