Learn to interpret works of art in greater depth through this package of certified online courses . Analysing paintings – which brings together Art Analysis and The History of Pigments in Art.
Discover how composition, iconography, historical context and the use of colour and pigments contribute to our understanding of artworks, whilst developing essential skills for students, professionals and art history enthusiasts.
Analysing paintings – Learn to analyse art with this package of two certified online courses: Art Analysis + History of Pigments in Art.
SAVE 40% ON THIS COURSE PACKAGE
Language: English
Also available in Português | Spanish
The package of 2 certified online courses – Analysing Paintings -includes:
History of Pigments in Art
Analysing Paintings – 2 online courses bundle
The price of the Analysing Paintings certified online course bundle includes 24-hour access for an unlimited period of time to:
- Lessons for each theme in the program
- Explanatory videos
- Links to articles, videos and websites
- Assessment (1 final quiz per course)
- Certificate (1 certificate per course).
Objectives
Analyzing paintings involves interpreting a series of aspects present in the work of art, ranging from its formal characteristics, identification of its elements, characters and representations, composition, historical and artistic framework, to the analysis of
Color and the pigments used throughout the history of art are also an extremely important element in analysing paintings . Knowing them and how they have been used by artists throughout history is undoubtedly very important for art analysis.
That’s why we’ve created this package of 2 courses – Analysing Paintings – which, each one addressing specific aspects, complement each other so that you can analyze art in a more complete way.
Who should take these courses
This course programme is aimed at students and researchers in Art History, Fine Arts, Conservation and Restoration, Museology and Cultural Heritage, as well as teachers, cultural tour guides, and professionals working in museums, galleries and interpretation centres. It is also suitable for artists, collectors and anyone interested in learning how to analyse works of art critically, understanding the significance of colour, pigments, composition and iconography.
It is particularly suitable for:
- Historians,
- art historians,
- students and teachers in these fields.
- Curators,
- artists,
- museologists
- gallery owners.
- Teachers,
- cultural practitioners,
- artistic and cultural associations, etc.
- There are no entry requirements.
There are no access requirements.
Certificate
Why take this course package?
Analysing a work of art goes far beyond simply observing its aesthetics. Understanding the composition, symbols, iconography, historical context and materials used by artists enables a more comprehensive and well-founded interpretation of the works.
The Analysing paintigs course package combines the courses Analysis of Works of Art and History of Pigments in Art; this package offers a complementary perspective on visual language and the evolution of artistic techniques. You will learn about the significance of colours, the origin and evolution of pigments, the choices made by artists, and the influence of these elements on the reading and interpretation of works throughout the history of art.
This training is particularly useful for those wishing to deepen their knowledge, enrich their professional practice or develop critical analysis skills applicable to study, research, conservation, cultural mediation and heritage tourism.
How it works
What you will learn in the 2-course bundle Analysing Paintings
Art Analysis
Unit 1 – Analysing Art
a) Reading / Interpreting
b) Writing about Art: concepts of visual rhetoric and visual literacy
Unit 2 – Analysing paintings
Elements of formal analysis
1. Identification;
2. Technical data;
3. Thematic;
4. Function;
5. Structure (basic and essential considerations);
6. Composition
- Contents: iconography and symbolism
- Thematic categories in painting
- Practical analysis of a painting (Mrs. Richard Brinsley Sheridan, by Thomas Gainsborough)
Unit 3 – Analysing Sculpture
Elements of formal analysis
1. Identification;
2. Technical and structural data;
3. Thematic;
4. Function;
5. Composition.
- Types of sculpture
- Practical analysis of a sculpture (Funerary lion (unknown author; c. 350 BC).
Unit 4 – Analysing Architecture
Elements of formal analysis
1. Identification;
2. Construction function or purpose;
3. Structure;
4. Relationship between function and structure;
5. Relationship between the history and geography of the construction site and architectural forms.
- Practical analysis of an architectural work (Central Tejo, Lisbon)
History of Pigments in Art
Unit 1 – Introduction to pigments in art
1 . Definition and characteristics of pigments
2. Pigments and society
2.1. Relationship with religion
2.2. Relationship with popular culture
2.3. Relationship with social markers, hierarchy and status
2.4. Relationship with politics and the economy
2.5. Relationship with work
3. Theory of color
Unit 2 – First pigments and pigments in Antiquity
1. introduction to the first pigments: prehistoric pigments and their use in rock art
2. Pigments in Antiquity
2.1. Pigments in Egyptian art
2.2. Pigments in Greek art
2.3. Pigments in Roman art
Unit 3 – Pigments used in the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque
3.1. Pigments in the art of the Middle Ages
3.2. Pigments in Renaissance art
3.3. Pigments in Baroque art
Unit 4 – The pigments of the mid and late 18th century. The pigment revolution of the 19th and 20th centuries.
4.1. The pigments of the mid and late 18th century
4.2. The pigments of the 19th century
4.3. Evolution of pigments during the 20th and 21st centuries. New vision of art and its impact on new pigments and techniques.
4.4. Final conclusion and some curiosities and links of interest for the study of the history of pigments in art
Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Analysing Paintings course package here, and discover how this training can help you interpret works of art in a more informed and critical way.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What does this Analysing Paintings course package include?
It includes the courses Analysis of Works of Art and History of Pigments in Art providing comprehensive training on artistic interpretation, visual language, colour and the materials used by artists.
Do I need any prior knowledge?
No. The package is designed for beginners as well as for those wishing to deepen their knowledge of art history.
Why is it important to know about pigments?
Pigments help us to understand artistic techniques, chronologies, creative processes and the significance of the colour choices made by artists throughout history.
Will I learn to interpret symbols and iconography?
Yes. The Analysing Paintings bundle covers the interpretation of formal elements, composition, symbols, iconography and the historical context of artworks.
Are this courses useful for artists?
Yes. Understanding the evolution of pigments, colours and visual languages is an excellent tool for enriching artistic practice.
Does the courses cover different periods in the history of art?
Yes. The content includes examples from various eras and artistic movements, enabling an understanding of the evolution of techniques, materials and visual language.
Is it suitable for museum and heritage professionals?
Yes. The courses provide essential supplementary training for professionals in the fields of culture, museums, heritage, conservation and restoration, cultural tourism and cultural mediation, and contributes to informed and well-founded communication about heritage and art.
Are thje courses entirely online?
Yes. You can study at your own pace, from anywhere and at times that suit you best.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Upon completion of each course and the corresponding assessment questionnaire, a training certificate for each course will be issued.
How long do I have access to the courses?
Access is unlimited, 24 hours a day. Even after receiving your certificate, you can continue to consult the material, not least because our courses are regularly updated.

