In this interdisciplinary program we will study Italian Renaissance art while we create our own bronze sculptures inspired by that tradition.  Sculpture led the way to the realization of the artistic aims of the Renaissance, as artists concentrated on two major challenges:  the freestanding figure and the representation of three-dimensional space.  We will explore the social, economic, and historical forces that led artists to revive the ideals of classical antiquity and look with fresh eyes at the natural world.  In creating our sculpture we will work systematically from ideation to realization—drawing, design, and 3D sculpture—while exploring principles, materials, and techniques.  Metal casting will be the main studio vehicle and will incorporate many sequential steps to the finished artwork.  The art history portion of the class will present an overview of the Italian Renaissance through lectures, reading, writing, and seminaring.