Katy Blatt
Katy trained in Art History at Cambridge University and the Courtauld Institute, where she specialised in both Italian and Northern Renaissance art and Modernism.
Portraying identity – construction of the self and 'other' in Art History with Katy Blatt
Ref: D3D36904
About this course
Art has always played a vital part in the expression of identity, shaping and reflecting our understanding of gender, nationality, ethnicity and faith, both as individuals and societies, through time and across geographical locations. This introduction to Art History will explore the power of visual culture to reveal the mechanisms behind identity construction today. Daily lectures at West Dean's London campus, between 10am-2.30pm, will be complimented by self-guided gallery/museum visits to see signposted works in the afternoons.
Course Description
This introduction to art history will provide a foundation in visual analysis techniques before applying them to in-depth case studies based on four key foci: portraiture, religious and divine identity, gender and ethnic identity. Whilst key works will be considered thematically, a broad range of styles and periods will be included, offering an insight into the chronology of art historical stylistic shifts, but also global perspectives. Taught morning sessions will be complemented by self-guided gallery and museum visits in the afternoons, where you will have the chance to explore your chosen works in more depth in the rich cultural centre around the London campus. Ideas will then be shared as a class the following day.
For each theme, several key works will be considered in-depth. For example, Van Eyck’s Arnolfi Portrait (National Gallery, 1434) will be discussed in terms of composition and painting technique, but also as an expression of Arnolfi’s wealth from trade via the Silk Route and Hanseatic League, the economic links with the Medici in Florence and gender power dynamics at the Burgundian Court. Thus, artworks will be used as an anchor from which to consider the importance of political and economic context, patronage, the development of technology, as well as theory around identity construction, for which art history draws upon the disciplines of sociology and anthropology. Wherever possible, case studies will be chosen from London collections and relate to current exhibitions so you can visit them in person.
These may include:
Portraiture:
- Alexander the Great, 300BCE (Classical portraiture at the British Museum)
- Van Eyck, Arnolfini Portrait, 1434 (Renaissance portraiture at the National Gallery)
- Rembrandt, Portrait of Aechje Claesdr (National Gallery)
- Frida Kahlo, On the Borderline, 1932 (Modern)
- Mark Quinn, Self “Blood Head”, 2010 (Contemporary YBA, Saatchi Gallery)
Ethnicity:
- Van Dyck, William Fielding, 1633-4 (National Gallery)
- Yinka Shonebare, Ship in a Bottle, 2010 (Greenwich Maritime Museum)
Gender identity and the Body in Art:
- Classical nude, Doryphorus’ Polycleitus and the Medici Venus, reflected also in Renaissance in Michelangelo’s David (cast seen at the V&A) and Baroque, Velasquez Rokeby Venus, 1647-51 (National Gallery)
- Jenny Saville Propped, 2010 (Jenny Saville: ‘The Anatomy of Painting’, National Portrait Gallery, Jun 20-Sep 7 2025)
- Zanele Muholi, Self-Portraits, 2015-16 (Queer identity, Tate Modern)
Please note: core works being examined are mainly in public, free to view exhibitions and museums, so other than a travelcard/transport fare, viewing the works should be free. However, alongside these sources of inspiration, additional works or current exhibitions may be signposted, some of which may have an entry charge. You will need to make your own travel arrangements for the afternoon gallery/museum visits and pay any entry fees (if incurred) as these are not included in the course fees.
Course Materials
Included
Course booklet
What students need to bring
- Pen/pencil and paper
- Your museum/gallery membership cards, if you have them
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Timetable
Daily Timetable
Course teaching 10am–2.30pm
Students arrive 9.30am-10.00am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching 10am-12.30pm
Lunch break 12.30pm (lunch is not included)
Teaching finishes 2.30pm
General Information
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the Materials to bring section.
Refreshments
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
Access
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Safety
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Refunds and cancellations
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
Disclaimer
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
Terms & Conditions
Tutors
