Goddesses, Jagged Lines or Blank Surfaces: The Search for Truthfulness in Dutch Art of the 19th and 20th Century

In the 19th and 20th century there was a crisis in art. Being able to paint a convincing image of a mythical goddess leaning against a broken column was no longer a guarantee for success.

It is the period of the –isms, such as Impressionism, Cubism and Expressionism. But despite the obvious differences between these movements, each of them strove for the same thing: to create an art more truthful than ever before. Vincent van Gogh looked for the truth in hypnotically swirling brushstrokes that conveyed his true emotions, whereas legendary Dutch abstract artist Piet Mondrian found it in lines and squares that were so perfect, that it was difficult to imagine a person, not a machine, had painted them.

Throughout this course, you will discover how Dutch artists, from architects and costume designers to painters and sculptors. strove for the elusive ideal of truthfulness, by visiting cities, museums and even try some modern art techniques yourself in this interactive course, that is for the most part taught in front of the original artworks.

Upon completion, you will have seen many highlights from the 19th and 20th century, you will be able to recognise the main painters and distinguish different movements in Dutch art, you will have become confident in recognising, discussing and analysing a modern Dutch artwork and sharing your ideas with your peers and ultimately have gained a deeper understanding of the idea of modern art in general.

» Download the day-to-day programme (PDF)