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The Story of European Art at the V&A 1250 to 1650
Year course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
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Ready to embark on a fascinating journey through the Story of European Art? Join us to travel through one of the most iconic periods in art history. You'll encounter soaring gothic cathedrals and intricate precious ivories, discover Renaissance Florence, and meet like likes of Da Vinci, Van Eyck, Dürer, Michelangelo, and El Greco...
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 1250 to 1650. Entering into an ever evolving artistic landscape, you'll get the opportunity to explore some of the most famous works in European art history, but also to reveal some of it's best kept secrets - from glittering enamels and goldsmiths' work to rich, ornate tapestries. 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, Late Medieval, here.
This course runs on Wednesdays across 3 x 10-week terms at V&A South Kensington, from Wednesday 30 September 2026 to Wednesday 30 June 2027. Plus, you'll get extra time to catch up with your lecture recordings and resources once each term ends.
Interested in what comes next? 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 1650 to 1925, or go back further to The Story of European Art at the V&A 500 BCE to 1250!
For more details on how our courses work, see V&A Academy FAQ
This course runs on Wednesdays across 3 x 10-week terms at V&A South Kensington, from Wednesday 30 September 2026 to Wednesday 30 June 2027. Plus, you'll get extra time to catch up with your lecture recordings and resources once each term ends.
Interested in what comes next? 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 1650 to 1925, or go back further to The Story of European Art at the V&A 500 BCE to 1250!
For more details on how our courses work, see V&A Academy FAQ
This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
Course Directors
Dr Sally Dormer and Dr Kathy McLauchlan
Dr Sally Dormer is a specialist medieval art historian with an M.A. in Medieval Art History and Ph.D. on Medieval illuminated manuscripts from the Courtauld Institute. Dr Kathy McLauchlan graduated at Oxford University and the Courtauld Institute, and specialises in 19th-century art history.
Excellent course; learn so much from different presentations and expertise of speakers 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: Late Medieval
Come with us to explore the artistic crosscurrents of a rapidly changing Europe between 1250-1400. From soaring gothic cathedrals adorned with glowing stained glass, to intricate ivories, enamels, and manuscripts, and Giotto’s robustly realistic paintings: you'll reveal the stunning breadth and material diversity of late medieval art.
Term 2: Early Renaissance
Travel back to a golden century in the visual arts between 1400-1500. You'll discover Van Eyck’s innovations in Flanders, Dürer’s emergence in Germany, and explore the wonders of Renaissance Florence alongside iconic masters such as Botticelli and Da Vinci. Dig deeper to reveal the legacy of countless anonymous artists, and learn about the impact of elite patronage in transforming the arts.
Term 3: High Renaissance to Baroque
Join us as we explore the period between 1500-1650 to discover how the Renaissance came to affect the whole of Europe - with innovations in painting, sculpture and architecture. Then journey into the turmoil of the Reformation and beyond, exploring the impact of these changes in painting, sculpture and architecture, and tracing the emergence of a new Baroque style.
Come with us to explore the artistic crosscurrents of a rapidly changing Europe between 1250-1400. From soaring gothic cathedrals adorned with glowing stained glass, to intricate ivories, enamels, and manuscripts, and Giotto’s robustly realistic paintings: you'll reveal the stunning breadth and material diversity of late medieval art.
Term 2: Early Renaissance
Travel back to a golden century in the visual arts between 1400-1500. You'll discover Van Eyck’s innovations in Flanders, Dürer’s emergence in Germany, and explore the wonders of Renaissance Florence alongside iconic masters such as Botticelli and Da Vinci. Dig deeper to reveal the legacy of countless anonymous artists, and learn about the impact of elite patronage in transforming the arts.
Term 3: High Renaissance to Baroque
Join us as we explore the period between 1500-1650 to discover how the Renaissance came to affect the whole of Europe - with innovations in painting, sculpture and architecture. Then journey into the turmoil of the Reformation and beyond, exploring the impact of these changes in painting, sculpture and architecture, and tracing the emergence of a new Baroque style.
Enrol now
Year course: The Story of European Art at the V&A 1250 to 1650
30 September 2026 - 16 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)
