Small Pictures, Big Ideas

About the Class

The Barnes galleries are known for distinctive ensembles that bring paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, and everyday objects together in unexpected ways. While these groupings are justly famed for their complexity, the rich entanglement of forms often overshadows smaller works by great masters such as Titian, El Greco, Jean-Siméon Chardin, Horace Pippin, Giorgio de Chirico, and Aristodimos Kaldis.

In this on-site workshop, we’ll give those small but remarkable works our full attention. By taking time to focus on works that might otherwise escape notice, we’ll discover how even the smallest pictures can communicate big and intriguing ideas.

Capacity: 18

Barnes classes will:

• Sharpen your observational and critical thinking skills.
• Improve your ability to communicate about art.
• Deepen your appreciation for cultures and histories outside your own.

See all classes.

What Our Students Say

“The instructor was not only knowledgeable but so accessible, and such an inviting presence. She provided great reading to supplement the course.” —Mary Cassatt: Art, Identity, and Independence with Larissa Bailiff

“Pierre brings the art alive with her inside stories and images and how she interacts with the students. She is always able to answer and follow up with more information at the next class.” —Exhibiting Modernism: From the Salon to the Avant-Garde with Caterina Pierre

“Alison Boyd was engaging and effective during the online instruction, and she offered well-selected background materials for further reading.” —Aaron Douglas from Harlem to Philly with Alison Boyd