D7. Art Collections of the Vatican Museums

Many visitors to the Vatican are drawn to the Sistine Chapel, but the Vatican Collections hold a wealth of art and history from ancient times to the present day. We’ll explore highlights from the classical sculpture collection, the various stages in the painting of the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms, highlights from the Old Master painting collection, as well as contemporary religious art. After this course, you’ll understand why the Vatican holds one of the finest collections of art in the world.

INSTRUCTOR: Martha Chiarchiaro has brought history to life through the art of the times for more than 30 years. She received her Master’s degree in the History of Art from Williams College and has taught a variety of art history courses at the Worcester Art Museum and Worcester State University. Martha has always been fascinated by the various techniques in art.

OPTIONAL BOOK: The Vatican, All the Paintings, Anja Grebe, New York: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, 2013 (also includes sculpture, maps, tapestries)