How to ‘Read’ and Enjoy Paintings: Drama in 19th-Century Painting

Learn how to “read” an artwork and enjoy paintings for all they’re worth.

From Victor Hugo to Henrik Ibsen, from Giuseppe Verdi to Johannes Brahms, the 19th century was a time of great innovation not only in music, literature, and theater, but also in the visual arts. In this course, we’ll focus on how the visual arts can depict dramatic moments by examining the works of three 19th-century painters who did so in uniquely powerful ways.

Guided by art appreciation expert Luc Travers, you’ll be immersed in the works of:

• John Everett Millais, who was inspired by climactic scenes in opera to create tense moments between passionate characters.
• John William Waterhouse, who drew on his love of poetry to capture the psychological drama of an individual caught in extraordinary circumstances.
• And Jean-Léon Gérôme, who highlighted the quieter, subtler moments of drama from history’s epic events.

You’ll learn to “read” an artwork by asking penetrating questions that bring the scene to life, empathizing with the characters, and using literature and music to enhance the experience. You’ll become more familiar with the range of dramatic possibilities that can be captured by the visual arts, and you’ll get to know the ideas and values that drove the artists to create their distinctive visual stories.

Here’s what students of Luc’s courses say:

• “I recommend this course to anyone who’s alive because it enhances your life tremendously.” —Sean
• “I learned to not be afraid to ask questions and not be intimidated by art. Look, feel, think, question—and enjoyment skyrockets.” —Mark
• “The course made me more aware of the world’s majesty.” —Aminullah
• “I’ve enjoyed every single session—I love the additional resources and book recommendations!” —Milica
• “It was an epic course.” —Dhruv