Gérard Edelinck (1640 - 1707), The Battle of Anghiari

Short course

Art and conflict

Weekend art history course

1 February 2025 10am - 5pm2 February 2025 10am - 5pm

Wolfson British Academy Room

courses and classes

£420. Includes light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of day one.

Sold out

Friends of the RA book first

Join now

Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael

Go to the exhibition

Join us for this weekend course exploring art and conflict throughout history.

In this course, we will trace the longstanding relationship between visual art and conflict. Exploring how times of war have influenced artists and their work, we will discuss how this shapes what we remember and the ways we reflect on these conflicts.

Over two days, this course provides insight into some of the best-known and most influential works of art, such as Goya’s Disaster of war, Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People and Picasso’s renowned Guernica. You will explore the Florentine Battles depicted in murals by Leonardo and Michelangelo in the Palazzo Vecchio, as well as war and conflict in relation to art from outside the Western tradition, such as in the history of the Benin Bronzes.

Looking at art as a constructive, critical and reflective medium, you will discuss the role of remembrance through iconic monuments and memorials, and uncover how the works of contemporary artists such as Hew Locke RA and Sir John Akomfrah RA explore untold stories, rewriting histories of violence.

The course will be led by art historians, curators and academics. No prior knowledge is required but debate and discussion are encouraged.

Minimum age 18. If you have any access requirements that you’d like to discuss, please contact public.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk.

If the course is sold out, please contact public.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk.

Terms and conditions

£420. Includes light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of day one.

Sold out

Friends of the RA book first

Join now