Pomp and circumstance of Venice & Ravenna
Online course
5 lessons
NL
N.B. This course is taught in Dutch.
In this course, ‘The Splendour of Venice & Ravenna’, you’ll explore these gems of art history from the comfort of your own home over the course of five lessons. Whether as inspiration for a visit or simply to enjoy for its own sake. Do you dream of the glistening waters of Venice and the splendour of the golden mosaics in Ravenna? In this five-part course, you’ll discover two of Italy’s most fascinating cities of art, each with its own unique character and a rich art history.
Venice, the city built on water, is a marvel in itself, but it also houses the most beautiful works of art. In four lessons, teacher Hanneke Lenders takes you through the highlights and hidden gems of this lagoon city. From the imposing St Mark's Basilica with its breathtaking mosaic work to the grandeur of the Doge's Palace. We delve chronologically into the rich art history of the Venetian Republic and the work of the artists who shaped the city, such as painters Carpaccio, Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto and architects Palladio and Sansovino. We wander past Gothic palazzi, Baroque churches and intimate squares and discover how Venice, with its oriental influences, waterfront location and rich trading past, is utterly unique. The emphasis is on ancient art, but we will certainly not overlook the modern art and architecture this city has to offer, such as the Peggy Guggenheim museum and the work of Carlo Scarpa.
We spend the fifth lesson in nearby Ravenna. This city, once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, contains one of the most impressive collections of early Christian and Byzantine mosaics in the world. You will learn about the symbolism and stories behind the brilliant gold and coloured stones in monuments such as the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Basilica of San Vitale.
After completing this course, you will know everything you need to know for a successful visit to these cities!
How does that work online?
You take this course online from your own computer or tablet. All you need is a good internet connection and sound. Teacher and images will appear on your screen automatically. If you cannot attend 'live', you can watch the replay afterwards. Registration is therefore still possible until after lesson 2 of the course.
Free trial lesson
Want to know if this course and taking it online is for you? You can take lesson 1 of this course as a free trial lesson without any obligations. You can register for this free trial lesson directly via the button below.
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Frequently asked questions
What will I learn on a ‘Pracht en Praal’ course?
KLU’s ‘Splendour and Grandeur’ courses are excellent preparation for your own visit to a city or region. In each course, a KLU lecturer will guide you through the highlights and the hidden gems. From architecture to painting, you’ll gain a better understanding of what you’re looking at and where to look. But each course can certainly also be taken purely for enjoyment, without any travel plans. By the end, you’ll see the city through a completely different lens, whether you’re there in person or reminiscing at home.
Do I need any prior knowledge to take a course?
No, most of KLU’s online art history courses do not require any prior knowledge. The courses are aimed at adults with an interest in art and culture, even if they have not previously studied art history.
Are you completely new to art history? Then this course is Introduction to Art History a good place to start. You can also filter our course listings to show introductory courses.
What do students appreciate about KLU?
What students particularly appreciate about KLU is the combination of academic rigour and accessibility. Complex subject matter is made easy to understand whilst maintaining a high standard – that is what sets KLU apart.
The tutors are consistently praised: they are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and have an engaging teaching style. Course participants say that after every lesson they look forward to the next one and that the knowledge really sticks.
KLU also scores highly in practical terms: the ease of catching up on sessions, the handouts and the good value for money are frequently mentioned. And perhaps the best side effect of all: after the course, participants pack their bags, visit museums with a fresh perspective or discover a new hobby.
You can read all the reviews at klu.nl/reviews.
What exactly does the taster lesson involve?
The taster lesson is the first lesson of a course, which you can attend free of charge and with no obligation. There’s no commitment: afterwards, you decide for yourself whether you want to take the full course. You can sign up for a taster lesson via the course page. An overview of all current taster lessons can be found at klu.nl/free-trial-lesson.
Please feel free to sign up for a free taster lesson, so you can see for yourself whether the course is right for you.
If I’m unable to attend one or more of the class dates, can I still take the course?
Yes, even if you miss a live class, you can watch it later on KLU. After each class, you’ll automatically receive a link to the recording by email. It’s valid for 14 days, and you can watch the recording as often as you like.
Many students even complete the entire course via the recording. This means you don’t need to be present on the scheduled date to complete the full course.
Dutch 
English