The Art of Rembrandt and Vermeer

Join us to take an in-depth look at Rembrandt van Rijn and Jan Vermeer, contemporaries in the highly distinctive art world of 17th-century Holland.

You will look at how, together, these two artists produced some of the greatest paintings of their time and how their aims and creative processes were very different.

You will explore their careers in depth, using their work – alongside some of their Dutch contemporaries – as a focus for understanding the cultural, religious and political context of the period.

Any essential or recommended reading will be advised by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a computer or other device with internet connection.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course you should be able to:

• Appreciate the creative achievements of Rembrandt and Vermeer, and their innovative techniques;
• Interpret the meanings of key works in the context of broader cultural developments of the period;
• Analyse the artistic qualities of 17th-century paintings using appropriate vocabulary. 

This course is for those with little or no experience of art or art history. We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s accessible and inclusive learning policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

There are no specific entry requirements for this course.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Please note that the course booking deadline is 8 days before the course start date.