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Antique to Early Christian (Online)
Year course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Tickets available from 10.00 on Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Step back in time to the civilisations of Ancient Greece and Rome, and discover the story of a momentous shift from Pagan to Christian belief, as told through the art and architecture of the ancient world from 500 BCE to 500 CE…
From famous Homeric myths depicted in sculpture and vase painting, to the lavishly rich decorations and furnishings unearthed at Herculaneum and Pompeii: the ancient world was replete with art. Join us to gain a unique perspective on the classical tradition, and then venture into the afterlife of the ancient world. Learn what happened as the Roman Empire began to fragment and Christianity’s influence steadily grew; explore how painters, sculptors and masons re-interpreted classical themes motifs and styles in developing Christian visual vocabularies. Join expert lecturers to unlock the secrets of the ancient world, and reveal the lasting impact of classical art in shaping European art and architecture.
This course runs every Monday for 10 weeks online, plus you'll get an extra 10 weeks to catch up once the course ends. Not able to attend live? You can also follow the course on catch up. Want to enrich your learning experience with exclusive access to bonus sessions such as gallery talks and object study? Check out the in-person version of this course at V&A South Kensington!
For more details on how our courses work, see V&A Academy online questions · V&A.
This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
From famous Homeric myths depicted in sculpture and vase painting, to the lavishly rich decorations and furnishings unearthed at Herculaneum and Pompeii: the ancient world was replete with art. Join us to gain a unique perspective on the classical tradition, and then venture into the afterlife of the ancient world. Learn what happened as the Roman Empire began to fragment and Christianity’s influence steadily grew; explore how painters, sculptors and masons re-interpreted classical themes motifs and styles in developing Christian visual vocabularies. Join expert lecturers to unlock the secrets of the ancient world, and reveal the lasting impact of classical art in shaping European art and architecture.
This course runs every Monday for 10 weeks online, plus you'll get an extra 10 weeks to catch up once the course ends. Not able to attend live? You can also follow the course on catch up. Want to enrich your learning experience with exclusive access to bonus sessions such as gallery talks and object study? Check out the in-person version of this course at V&A South Kensington!
For more details on how our courses work, see V&A Academy online questions · V&A.
This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
Course Leader
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.
Very informative, detailed, in depth, teaching in a very friendly and approachable manner by very knowledgeable specialists. Previous V&A Academy Attendee
Membership Priority Booking will open at 10.00 BST on Wednesday 24 June 2026. General Booking will open at 10.00 BST on Wednesday 8th July 2026.
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Course overview
Get ready to discover 1000 years of art, from the ancient world to the birth of Christianity.
Weekly lecture themes include:
Form and Meaning in Painting and Sculpture
Rome and the Classical Tradition
From Pagan to Christian
…any many more!
By the end of this course, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the development of classical and early Christian art and architecture reflect changes in society, belief systems and shifting centres of power in the period 500 BCE – 500 CE. You’ll become familiar with a range of artistic practices, including ceramics, sculpture, ivories, textiles, mosaic and goldsmithing.
Ready to dive deeper? Take a look at the full course programme by clicking 'download programme' below.
Enrol now
Year course: Antique to Early Christian (Online)
29 September 2026 - 1 December 2026
£300.00
Tickets not available yet
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)
