England’s royal images may be formal and idealized, yet a careful study will reveal how they portray history and royal character as well as the creative ingenuity of the artists who received the royal commissions. The course studies images over several centuries, from medieval to modern and from Richard III to the photograph of the late Queen Elizabeth II by Annie Leibowitz in 2007, as well as the remarkable portrait of William and Harry. Discover why Elizabeth I, the Virgin queen, imposed strict rules about her portrayal; why King George III preferred a Scottish artist for his official portrait; why later this king was portrayed in vicious satires; why the wife of George IV appeared in a voluminous unflattering red dress, and how a young Queen Victoria was portrayed by the American artist, Thomas Sully.
Continuing Education Units (CEU) : 0
Continuing Education Units (CEU) : 0
You'll walk away with
- Analyze the ways English royal portraits convey political power, personality, and historical context
- Evaluate the artistic techniques and creative decisions behind commissioned royal images across centuries
- Trace the evolution of royal imagery from medieval times to modern photography, understanding its cultural and historical significance
Ideal for
- History buffs
- All members of the community—working, retired, and in-between
Upcoming courses
Registration is recommended at least three weeks before the course start date.
Upcoming courses
Registration for this course is closed.