American Fine and Decorative Art, New York

This programme is taught from the perspective of an art expert, thus preparing graduates for careers in galleries, auction houses, consultancies, and museums, in which knowledge of the work of art is key. Based on Sotheby’s venerable Works of Art Course, the American Fine and Decorative Art course has been taught in New York for over twenty years and has produced graduates now active in myriad art professional careers.

The core curriculum is a programme of lectures and seminars, supplemented by direct object study at the auction house, galleries, museums and historic houses. Travel and field trips to key sites adds to the rich New York experience for the study of American Art. Student are taught by curators, dealers, auction experts, and other art professionals. This approach is used to study the full range of American fine and decorative arts 1630 – 1945.

Hands-on sessions involve observation, comparison and analysis, and train students 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. Contextual study enhances students’ understanding of the works of art as created in a particular time and place.

For two weeks at the beginning of the winter term, the students receive internships at the Winter Antiques Show at the Park Avenue Armory. Instruction in research, writing, appraisal study, and public speaking prepares students to enter the art profession of the choice or to continue onto doctoral studies.