MA in American Fine & Decorative, New York

Students in this curriculum explore the full range of American fine and decorative arts through an intensive and integrated programme of lectures, seminars, object study, museum and gallery visits and practical work. Hands-on sessions involving observation, comparison and analysis explore technical, aesthetic and economic considerations in painting, sculpture, prints, furniture, ceramics, glass, silver, textiles and more.

Students become familiar with artists and makers from all regions of American art production while contextual study enhances their understanding of the works of art as created in a particular time and place. Instruction in research, writing, and public speaking prepares students to enter the art professions or to continue their studies at the doctoral level.

The core curriculum is supplemented by direct object study at Sotheby’s auction house, galleries, museums, and historic houses. Travel and field trips to key sites add to the rich New York experience for the study of American art. Students are taught by scholars, curators, dealers, auction experts and other art professionals.

For two weeks at the beginning of the winter term, the students work as interns at the Winter Antiques Show at the Park Avenue Armory.

Alumni of the programme now hold significant positions in galleries, auction houses, consultancies and museums and keep in touch via the Institute’s Alumni network.