Exploring art history in Chepstow at The Drill Hall

This autumn, a new series begins of the popular art appreciation classes run by Chepstow Museum. The ‘Masters of Art’ ten-week course takes us through the centuries from the medieval world of 1300 up to the 20th century, by exploring in-depth the work of one artist each week. But instead of focusing on the most obvious artists from a time period, among the painters covered will be some names that may be familiar, but others that are much less well-known. Each represents a particular era in the history of art, exemplifying the society of their times and the changing fashions in art and culture.

The course, led by well-known and popular local lecturer Eleanor Bird, will set each painter in the context of their contemporaries and of art historical developments. Beginning with the golden altarpieces of Giovanni da Rimini, an artist whose pictures are as mysterious as his life story, to represent the 15th century, instead of Leonardo or Michelangelo, the focus will be on Fra Bartolomeo whose richly coloured works bring Renaissance Italy alive. The course will also turn the spotlight onto several women artists and after moving round the Western world will finish with the Welsh artistic giant, Sir Kyffin Williams.

No prior knowledge of art history is needed and there is no homework. This is learning for enjoyment and pleasure. If you like looking at art and what to know more about understanding it, learning how to look deeper and appreciate the ideas and culture of the time, or if you just want to spend Monday afternoons looking at wonderful images of art in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, then give this course a try. For those who have not been before there is the opportunity to have the first lecture on Monday 23rd September as a taster session