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Antique to Early Christian (in-person)
Year course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
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. On this course, you’ll not only learn from expert lecturers, but you’ll also get exclusive access to a live emblema mosaic demonstration from artist Enikő Leanyvari, and get up close with objects in the V&A’s collections through expert-led gallery talks.
This course runs every Tuesday for 10 weeks at V&A South Kensington, plus you'll get an extra 10 weeks to catch up with all your lecture recordings once the course ends. Not able to join us in person? You can also attend the course lectures online, both live and on catch up.
Not ready to end your learning journey in 500 CE? Check out our 3-term year course, The Story of European Art at the V&A, 500 BCE - 1250.
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. On this course, you’ll not only learn from expert lecturers, but you’ll also get exclusive access to a live emblema mosaic demonstration from artist Enikő Leanyvari, and get up close with objects in the V&A’s collections through expert-led gallery talks.
This course runs every Tuesday for 10 weeks at V&A South Kensington, plus you'll get an extra 10 weeks to catch up with all your lecture recordings once the course ends. Not able to join us in person? You can also attend the course lectures online, both live and on catch up.
Not ready to end your learning journey in 500 CE? Check out our 3-term year course, The Story of European Art at the V&A, 500 BCE - 1250.
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
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
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 (in-person)
29 September 2026 - 1 December 2026
£645.00
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)
