Painters and writers in modern France

Elective Course

French writers have always exhibited a passionate interest in fine arts while cultivating rich intellectual exchanges and friendship with artists. The convergence of artistic creativity and intellectual vibrancy produced some of the most influential aesthetic theories, and renowned paintings and novels. This course explores a selection of works by prominent painters through the eyes of French writers who admired them. Why did they develop a fascination for these artists? What did they write about them and their artworks? How did artists influence their literature? The investigation of the interplay between art and literature will enable students to deepen their understanding of French cultural history and aesthetics while equipping them with the French language skills pertaining to these fields. All the materials used in this course will be in French.