This course will focus on paintings, prints, and sculptures produced in the German-speaking lands of the Holy Roman Empire from around 1350 until
around 1600.  Principal attention will focus on the changing role of visual culture, which begins as a principally religious imagery, centered on icons
and altarpieces but evolves into an era of "art," where collecting of pictures as prized objects predominates.  Historical circumstances of
German politics and religion will be examined in relation to the images, particularly the role of the Reformation in altering the content and role
of the image.  Cultural exchange with neighboring regions of Italy and the Low Countries will also be examined for their effects on German art-making.

Students will be asked to write a pair of short papers on looking assignments or selected readings, with an optional assignment based upon
works on display in either Washington or New York museums.  Final examination but no midterm.