This course explores the rise of Paris as a global centre of art between the 18th and early 20th centuries. From royal academies to radical avant-gardes, Paris led artistic innovation and served as a hub for international exchange, where artists, ideas, and patrons from around the world converged. We examine how the city’s state-financed art establishment promoted its cultural authority at home and abroad, while engagement with art traditions from across Europe, Asia and America helped shape the city’s artistic identity. In the first term, we trace the foundations of Paris’s dominance in the arts, focussing on the period from the 17th to the early 19th century. Italy’s classical tradition deeply influenced France’s artistic ideals, while international trade and imperial expansion encouraged a growing taste for Chinoiserie and laid the groundwork for Orientalist art. The second term concentrates on the 19th century, a period which saw the growth of the Parisian art world and its exhibition culture – both official and independent. We address the continuing fascination with distant and ‘exotic’ cultures – particularly the Middle East and Japan – and examine Paris’s growing appeal for artists from Europe and America. The third term turns to the early 20th century, when an international community of artists - from the Americas, Scandinavia, Spain and elsewhere – played a key role in shaping modern movements from Cubism to Surrealism – helping to establish Paris as the world capital of avant-garde art.

Time:
Morning, Friday
Course duration:
5 weeks
Location:
Status:
Available
Availability:
Late starts accepted
Course code:
W25PDGB11C
Tutor:
Kathleen Mclauchlan
Suitable for:
19 year olds and up are permitted on this course
The 2 hours, offered both in class and online, will be taught in an informal lecture/ discussion format with presentations shared on screen. There will be a 10-minute break in the middle of the session. You are encouraged to engage in discussion and lecture materials will be shared by email. Constructive and supportive feedback from your tutor will help you succeed during the class. Our art and design studios are well-equipped with a range of industry and specialist tools and equipment in a shared access environment. As a college, we look to embed sustainable practice through reducing waste, recycling and upcycling of materials. In the interest of sustainability, Morley College uses Teams and MyDay as digital platforms for sharing resources and information.
There are no entry requirements. This course will be accessible to you if you have no prior knowledge of art and design and is open to learners with varying backgrounds, as well as art practitioners. What you need to know before you enrol This is a ‘hybrid’ course, offered in class and online. Teaching materials will be delivered via email and an online system. Instructions and support will be sent out before the course start date by your tutor via email.
By enrolling on this course, students agree to adhere to the student code of conduct and Health & Safety guidance as posted or as directed by a member of staff. As a Morley College student, you will have access to Microsoft Office platforms, including a dedicated Morley College email. You will need to use your Morley email address for certain college activities.
You will find it helpful to bring a paper and pen for making notes. For those joining online, You will need access to the internet and a computer (desktop, laptop, tablet or iPad) that allows you to view images in a good size and quality. Your device will have a (built-in) microphone so you can join in discussions, and ideally have a camera so we can see each other in class.
You may consider progression to further Art History Courses or more advanced levels to build on what you have learned, and we also offer qualifications such as the Foundation, the BA (Hons) Creative Practice and MA (Creative Practice)
This course takes places on the following dates and times:
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, 24 April 2026 | 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 2 hrs |
| Friday, 1 May 2026 | 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 2 hrs |
| Friday, 8 May 2026 | 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 2 hrs |
| Friday, 15 May 2026 | 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 2 hrs |
| Friday, 22 May 2026 | 11:00 AM | 1:00 PM | 2 hrs |
Tutor biography coming soon.
Download our comprehensive short course guide for more information.
Download short course guide