History of Garden Design in Italy I: From Mythical Origins to Renaissance Gardens

LA AH GD 370
Credit hours 3
Contact hours 45
FALL ONLY

This course traces the origins of gardens in the Mediterranean basin starting from the mythical Garden of Eden, as a symbol and model for all enclosed gardens. The ancient Romans enjoyed sophisticated urban gardens and grandiose rural retreats, celebrating their love of nature in the arts. During the Early Middle Ages, the garden survived in monastic communities and in Christian iconography, but the secular pleasure garden was revived in the Gothic "garden of love." Arab presence in Spain and Southerin Italy developed an Islamic tradition of Paradise on Earth in gardents which still influence design. The Renaissance brought these different strands together in gardens which have elements of Classsical antiquity, Christian iconography, with the exotic plants and horticultural techniques of Arab origin.

Prerequisites: None