This course trains students in the expertise of textile arts. By the end of the course, students are able to:
• master specialised knowledge relating to materials and techniques (knowledge of materials and how they are worked) and, to a lesser extent: styles (chronological reference points, major representative pieces, vocabulary and syntax of ornament); uses, functions and meanings (typologies and their specific vocabulary, context of use, iconographic themes);
• apply disciplinary methodologies to study, analyse and interpret an object or a group of objects and derive historically situated knowledge from them, by carrying out:
– a technological analysis: identify and characterise materials and techniques: fibres, yarns, dyeing, weaving (fabric and tapestry), finishing and embellishment (embroidery and other techniques);
– a stylistic analysis: analyse morphological components with appropriate concepts and vocabulary, characterise a style and its variants, refine the chronology according to place and period of production;
– an iconological analysis: identify and interpret the iconographic theme and/or the programme carried by the object, using appropriate reference tools (dictionaries, online resources, etc.);
– a typological analysis: identify the uses and functions of the object by linking them to its form, and understand its meaning by placing it within a group of objects and within its historical and socio-cultural context (worship, private use, etc.), with its interactions and stakes;
Priority is given to technological analysis.
• apply this knowledge and these skills to new situations: link general theoretical knowledge with the characterisation of a particular case, and organise, classify and compare an object or a group of objects according to set criteria.
To provide an introduction to the technology, typology, style and history of textile productions.
To understand the intrinsic value of the object through an approach that is methodological rather than encyclopaedic, based on concrete cases and on direct contact with the objects. This knowledge forms the basis for better management and enhancement of textile heritage.
Main strand:
• Textile technology: fibres and yarns, dyeing, weaving (fabric and tapestry), finishing and embellishment (embroidery and other techniques);
Secondary strands:
• styles: chronological reference points;
• religious and civil typologies;
• uses, functions and meanings;
• iconographic themes;
• thematic focuses (e.g. historiography, the economy of dress, etc.).
See the course materials on Webcampus.
12 hours of fieldwork exercises: museums, heritage institutions, church treasuries, the Archaeology and Art Sciences Laboratory (LASA) in Namur, etc. In direct contact with the objects: technological, stylistic, iconological and typological analysis of a selection of representative tangible objects; discussion of case studies, after individual preparation.
Contact hours: 15 hours of classes and 12 hours of fieldwork exercises (1st quarter).
• Ex cathedra lectures: given by lecturers, these lectures form the basis of the programme.
• Guest speakers: specialists recognised for their experience and/or research in the field of textiles contribute in a targeted way (for example a conservator, a researcher, or a collector with expertise in a specific technique).
• Supervised exercises and field visits: focused on the object and on the field, they put students in direct contact with representative tangible objects, in order to develop their analytical skills and critical judgement. After studying the material using varied resources (syllabus, online tools and resources), students take an active part in the exercise sessions, through questions and discussion, based on selected case studies.
Oral examination before a jury, with preparation time, based on tangible objects that the student analyses. Open-notebook format possible.
Course materials and online resources: see Webcampus.
| Training | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Master in Decorative Arts Assessment and Management | 1 | 5 | No |