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'Art for Art’s Sake? Whistler and the Aesthetic Movement in Britain'

Single session on campus, Saturday 17 October, 10am - 5pm

Overview

John Ruskin's critique of James McNeill Whistler’s 1875 painting, Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket, accused the artist of "flinging a pot of paint in the public’s face." This insult sparked a dramatic clash between traditionalism and modernism, culminating in a famous libel lawsuit. 
Using this painting as a focal point, this study day examines Whistler’s pivotal role in the Aesthetic Movement. It explores his work within the wider context of Victorian art, music, and literature, while addressing themes such as portraiture, Japonisme, his connections to Liverpool, and the true meaning of "Art for Art’s Sake."

Syllabus

  • 10 -10:20am: Welcome and Introduction
  • 10:20 -11.20am: The Aesthetic Movement in Art and Literature 
  • 11:20-11:30am Break
  • 11:30am -12:30pm: Nocturnes in Visual Art and Music 
  • 12.30 -1pm: Workshop and group discussion
  • 1 - 2pm: LUNCH
  • 2 - 3pm: The Liverpool Connection and Portraits  
  • 3 -3:30pm: Portraits workshop and group discussion
  • 3.30-3.45pm: Break
  • 3:45 -4:15pm: The Ruskin Trial and Nocturne in Blue and Gold: The Falling Rocket analysis
  • 4:15 –5pm: Plenary and final reflections

Course lecturer(s)

Judith Walsh

Dr Judith Walsh is a lecturer in modern and contemporary art. Her PhD examined aesthetic, cultural and societal themes and trends of the post war period including the ‘battle’ between figurative and abstract art. Currently working for the University of Liverpool she has also taught extensively for Tate Liverpool, National Museums Liverpool and Liverpool Hope University. She is particularly interested in the collaborative nature of artistic practice and the philosophy of aesthetics and contemporary art in a globalized world. 

Julie Robson

Since completing her Masters Degree in Contemporary art at the University of Liverpool, Julie Robson has been contributing to short courses for both the University of Liverpool's Continuing Education Department, and its International Summer School.  Julie has also carried out freelance work as a writer, lecturer and gallery educator at many galleries and museums in Merseyside and North Wales.

Anna Maddison

Dr Anna Maddison is a researcher and lecturer in the History of Art and English Literature, specialising in the Victorian era. Her doctoral thesis addressed the influence of Victorian Spiritualism upon the work of Pre-Raphaelite poet-painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Dr Maddison has 20 years’ experience of designing and teaching courses in higher education, working for the University of Liverpool (Continuing Education), LJMU, and as a freelance lecturer. She has taught at a number of art galleries over the years, including the Atkinson, the Walker, the Lady Lever and Tate Liverpool.

Course fee

  • Standard fee: £70