The general theme of  this seminar is art as knowledge. The fundamental questions include: what sort of knowledge is produced in the making of art? how do artists communicate this knowledge? what is the epistemic function of materials and techniques? which role do objects and collections play in the production and consumption of knowledge? How do artists conceptualize their knowledge-making?

The seminar deals with a diversity of objects of knowledge (from colour and perspective to the anatomy of the human body), epistemic practices (from observation to classification), and fields of knowledge (geography, optics, natural history, mathematics, medicine). It brings art history in to conversation with material culture studies, the history of the book, the history of collecting, and the history of science. Every other year the course is also part of the Technical Art History MA programme (University of Amsterdam).
 
Art History students are obliged to take this course for 10 EC. However,  students from other Utrecht RMA programmes can take this course for 5 EC.
 
The entrance requirements for Exchange Students will be checked by the International Office and the Programme coordinator. Acceptance is not self-evident.