Scandals and Vandals: Forgery, Theft, and Destruction in the History of Art

LVIS-238

This course exposes students to the dynamic world of theft, forgery, destruction, and the restoration of works of art. Through readings and museum visits, students engage questions of authenticity, ownership, commercialism, and the cultural role of works of art in the world today and throughout history. Students learn how works of art are forged; they also learn the history and theories of museum collection building. In addition, they explore concepts of artistic expression and authenticity. When is a work of art real? What does it mean for art to be forged? Does restoration of art works affect authenticity? Students also explore concepts of and the complex history of art ownership.

Credits
3
Prerequisites
LENG-111
Required Of
None
Electable By
All
Semesters Offered
Fall, Spring
Location
Boston
Department
LART
Course Chair
Marcela Castillo-Rama
Taught By
Courses may not be offered at the listed locations or taught by the listed faculty for every semester. Consult my.berklee.edu to find course information for a specific semester.