Venice was no less a city of marvels in the renaissance than it is today. It was the meeting-place of east and west, physically unique, enviably powerful and fabulously wealthy – qualities reflected in its art and architecture. This lecture focuses on the era of Bellini and Carpaccio, whose paintings provide eyewitness accounts of life in Venice around 1500. Together with landmarks such as San Marco, the Arsenale and the Colleoni monument, and artefacts including glassware and platform shoes, they allow us to immerse ourselves in this incomparable city at one of the richest periods in its artistic life.   

2 Lectures, Coffee/tea, Lunch with wine and soft drinks.   Ticket only 
10.00am to 2pm
Please be seated by 9.45am
Tickets are available at £32.00 please email  info@tascroydonarea.org.uk 

Paula Nuttall is a specialist in Renaissance art, both Italian and northern European, on which she has published widely, notably From Flanders to Florence: the Impact of Netherlandish Painting 1400-1500 (Yale, 2004).  Paula has collaborated on major exhibitions including Jan van Eyck: an Optical Revolution (Ghent, 2020).  Before retiring in 2023 Paula was Director of the V&A Medieval and Renaissance Year Course, and has taught at – among others – the Courtauld Institute and the British Institute of Florence.  She now focuses on the Arts Society, her own online courses, and research

The Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, one of the most vibrant periods of western art, displayed the talents of Rembrandt, Vermeer and Hals among many much-loved artists. These two lectures will show how an economic miracle, religious toleration and a scientific revolution formed the backdrop to an upsurge in creativity in the visual arts. Familiar masterpieces will be seen in a new light and lesser known works will be unveiled as we explore the themes of trade, tolerance and technology to reveal the foundations of the Dutch Golden Age.

Rupert Dickens is an art historian based in south London with a special interest in Dutch and Flemish 16th and 17th century painting. He works at the Wallace Collection as a guide conducting public and private tours and lecturing on aspects of the collection. Rupert has accompanied groups on art-themed tours to the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Austria and Italy. He has lectured to large audiences on subjects as diverse as the game of chess in art and Madame de Pompadour’s artistic patronage in 18th century France. He studied art history at Birkbeck College before undertaking a Masters in Dutch Golden Age Studies at University College London. Before that Rupert had a 26-year career as a BBC journalist ending as an editor in radio news.