This course will advance the belief that art is an irreplaceable way of understanding and expressing the world — equal to but distinct from other methods of inquiry and certainty. By charting the emergence of unique and continuous traditions of visual imagery from Chauvet to the last works of the Post– Impressionists, this course will highlight canonical paintings and sculpture from major periods of Western culture. Focusing on the key innovations, personalities and styles of Western art, this general survey class will encourage a basic appreciation, analysis, recognition and interpretation of art.