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The Story of European Art at the V&A 1650 to 1930
Year course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Ready to embark on a fascinating journey through the Story of European Art? Join us to discover across 3 momentous centuries of art, from the grandeur of 17th Century Baroque and Rococo right up to the birth of 20th century Modernism.
In this 3-term course, you will join experts at the V&A to deep dive into the rich history of Art in Europe from 1650-1925. A period of significant social and political change, you'll discover a rapidly developing artistic landscape, and trace a path from the luxurious court of Louis XIV right through to the dappled impressionism of Monet's paintings and beyond. As well as curator and expert-led lectures, you’ll get exclusive access to gallery talks, object study sessions, artist demonstrations and more – all designed to enrich your learning experience with the V&A’s incredible collections for inspiration.
Ready to find out more? Scroll down for a term-by-term overview. You can also find the detailed programme for term 1, Baroque to Rococo, here.
This course runs on Thursdays across 3 x 10-week terms at V&A South Kensington, between Thursday 1 October 2026 and Thursday 1 July 2027. Plus, you'll get extra time to catch up with your lecture recordings and resources once each term ends.
Curious what came before? This course is part of a 3-year course series taking you on a journey through European Art from 500 BCE right up to 1925. To see details on the full series, click 'download syllabus'. And why not check out The Story of European Art at the V&A 500 BCE to 1250 and The Story of European Art at the V&A 1250 to 1650!
For more details on how our courses work, see V&A Academy FAQ
This course runs on Thursdays across 3 x 10-week terms at V&A South Kensington, between Thursday 1 October 2026 and Thursday 1 July 2027. Plus, you'll get extra time to catch up with your lecture recordings and resources once each term ends.
Curious what came before? This course is part of a 3-year course series taking you on a journey through European Art from 500 BCE right up to 1925. To see details on the full series, click 'download syllabus'. And why not check out The Story of European Art at the V&A 500 BCE to 1250 and The Story of European Art at the V&A 1250 to 1650!
For more details on how our courses work, see V&A Academy FAQ
This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
Course Director
Dr Kathy McLauchlan
Dr Kathy McLauchlan, graduated at Oxford University and the Courtauld Institute. In 2001 she completed a PhD thesis on French painters in Rome during the 19th century. A lecturer specialising in 19th-century art history, she is currently a course director at the Victoria & Albert Museum and lecturer with the Arts Society, Morley College and Oxford.
Incredible speakers, excellent material and really top notch job done by the technical team at the V&A Previous V&A Academy Course Attendee
V&A Academy. A learning environment you can trust.
Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Spend time with our incredible collections, as well as with our expert tutors and your fellow learners.
Course overview
Term 1: Baroque to Rococo
Dive into European art from 1650-1790, and immerse yourself in extravagance! From the grandeur of French Baroque to the exuberance of Italian Rococo, you'll also discover how the art of the period was shaped by the impact of major social and cultural shifts, such as Age of Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution.
Term 2: Neoclassical to Realism
Join us as we bring to life key changes in art and design during the late 17th and 18th centuries. Discover how the artistic landscape reacted against the exuberance of Italian Rococo, and shifted towards the restraint of Neoclassicism - a move also influenced by contemporary archaeological discoveries. At the same time, we'll reveal how a growing art market reshaped relationships between artists, patrons and audiences.
Term 3: Impressionism to Modern
Explore a remarkable period in the history of art, and consider the contributions made by individual artists and designers including Goya, Canova, Constable, Morris, Whistler and Monet within a wider political and cultural context. You'll go beyond the works alone and investigate wider themes such as taste, patronage and the art market.
Dive into European art from 1650-1790, and immerse yourself in extravagance! From the grandeur of French Baroque to the exuberance of Italian Rococo, you'll also discover how the art of the period was shaped by the impact of major social and cultural shifts, such as Age of Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution.
Term 2: Neoclassical to Realism
Join us as we bring to life key changes in art and design during the late 17th and 18th centuries. Discover how the artistic landscape reacted against the exuberance of Italian Rococo, and shifted towards the restraint of Neoclassicism - a move also influenced by contemporary archaeological discoveries. At the same time, we'll reveal how a growing art market reshaped relationships between artists, patrons and audiences.
Term 3: Impressionism to Modern
Explore a remarkable period in the history of art, and consider the contributions made by individual artists and designers including Goya, Canova, Constable, Morris, Whistler and Monet within a wider political and cultural context. You'll go beyond the works alone and investigate wider themes such as taste, patronage and the art market.
Enrol now
Year course: The Story of European Art at the V&A 1650 to 1930
1 October 2026 - 17 June 2027
£1,600.00
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
