An enormous body of visual culture surrounding the plague has developed since the disease’s first appearance in Western Europe during the so-called Black Death of 1348-53. From painted altarpieces, to protective talismans, to entire churches commemorating epidemics of plague, Italy during the Early Modern period became the epicenter for artworks depicting the disease.

This course explores the development of art and architecture dedicated to plague in Italy from the 14th-18th centuries. We will trace the growth of visual art that responded to prevailing medical theories and spiritual practices aimed to prevent the disease and protect the body and soul. A variety of objects will be showcased in this course, including miraculous images, wearable amulets, anatomical prints, and graffiti scrawled on the walls of plague hospitals.

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has changed the rhythm of life worldwide, causing us all to adapt to new ways of getting things done. Though Early Modern plague and modern coronavirus have entirely different etiologies, parallels can be drawn between the proactive solutions we use now in disease prevention and management and those employed in Italy during the past. Many of the methods we use today to control outbreaks of infectious disease—from quarantine to travel bans—got their start in Italy during the 15th century.

Course Readings: Available through Canvas. There is no textbook.

Course Requirements: Responses to discussion prompts on Canvas (25%); take-home essay midterm (30%); final paper, ~2000 words (30%); attendance and participation (15%)

Intended Audience: All interested undergraduates; there are no prerequisites

Class Format: Two 80-minutes lectures per week, with occasional in-class discussions and activities

HISTART Distribution Requirements: Europe and the US, Early Modern