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Drawing From Classical Sculpture
Short course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
The term 'classical' was first used in the seventeenth century to describe the arts and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. Classicism dominated Western art from the Renaissance onward, with classical mythology, including the myths and legends of ancient Greek and Roman gods and heroes, becoming a major subject in sculpture.
Join us on this unique hands-on course that explores the artists and stories behind some of the greatest classical sculptures in the V&A’s Collections, while enhancing your practical drawing skills. Over six weeks, renowned art historians will introduce you to key themes in Renaissance Sculpture, including mythology, narrative, imagery and symbolism through a series of lectures and gallery tours. Following these sessions, tutors from London Fine Art Studios will guide you through various practical drawing exercises, using a range of mediums, showing you how to capture these sculptures in the classical style.
Workshop Leader
London Fine Art Studios
Ann Witheridge studied Art History at Christ’s College, Cambridge before moving to Italy to study art full-time. She has been teaching drawing and painting in the atelier tradition for over 25 years; first at Charles H. Cecil Studios, and now at London Fine Art Studios.
Course overview
Week One: Classical Mythology.
Dr Steve Kershaw will uncover key symbols and images used during this period, uncovering the hidden meanings conveyed through classical sculpture.
Week Two: Narrative in Sculpture.
Dr Claudia Daniotti will share how artists embedded theoretical narrative themes in their sculptures, from religious iconography to myths.
Week Three: The West’s Obsession with Classical, exploring the theme of the Grand Tour and why Classical Sculpture was so appealing in the West.
Week Four: Portraiture, looking at ways sculptors captured portraits, from monumental busts to commemorative coins.
Week Five: Imagery and Symbolism.
V&A Senior Curator Kira d’Alburquerque introduces the myths and stories behind some of the standout Neo Classical Sculptures in the V&A Collection including Pandora, Thetis & Achilles and the Minotaur.
Week Six: Architecture with David Bellingham, Program Director, MA Art Business, Sotheby’s Institute of Art London.
All materials provided, this course is suitable for complete beginners, as well as those looking to refresh their knowledge. Open to participants aged 18 and above.
Dr Steve Kershaw will uncover key symbols and images used during this period, uncovering the hidden meanings conveyed through classical sculpture.
Week Two: Narrative in Sculpture.
Dr Claudia Daniotti will share how artists embedded theoretical narrative themes in their sculptures, from religious iconography to myths.
Week Three: The West’s Obsession with Classical, exploring the theme of the Grand Tour and why Classical Sculpture was so appealing in the West.
Week Four: Portraiture, looking at ways sculptors captured portraits, from monumental busts to commemorative coins.
Week Five: Imagery and Symbolism.
V&A Senior Curator Kira d’Alburquerque introduces the myths and stories behind some of the standout Neo Classical Sculptures in the V&A Collection including Pandora, Thetis & Achilles and the Minotaur.
Week Six: Architecture with David Bellingham, Program Director, MA Art Business, Sotheby’s Institute of Art London.
All materials provided, this course is suitable for complete beginners, as well as those looking to refresh their knowledge. Open to participants aged 18 and above.
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. Join our expert tutors and meet fellow learners to join the discussion.
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Short course: Drawing From Classical Sculpture
26 February 2025 - 2 April 2025
£600.00
Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000
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)
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Header image: Victoria and Albert Museum