This course will examine the history of art collecting and collections from their origins in temple treasuries, through the private collections of the mediaeval worlds of Europe and Asia, to the role of patrons and princes, past and present in the establishment of art collections and policies.  The impact of world exploration and empire on the development of collections and the evolution of public collections are major themes. In addition, contemporary issues regarding collection development will be addressed. The impact of social, political and ethical environments on museum collecting, display and documentation will be explored with particular reference to Australian collections.

On completion of the course students should be able to

1. Outline and present orally and in written form major themes of collecting history

2. Use electronic resources to find and share information regarding international laws relating to cultural heritage, and discuss their impact on collecting

3. Interpret commentary, written and oral, related to art collecting internationally

4. Develop hypotheses regarding potential subtexts within the material itself

5. Describe contemporary factors affecting art collection development

The course is divided loosely into two parts.  The first section focusses on the history of collecting and collecting institutions.  The second part of the course addresses issues which affect public and private collection in the 20th and 21st centuries.  While the two parts are by no means mutually exclusive, this division provides a framework for student research and the presentation of assignments. 

Students are expected to present a tutorial-essay on a topic from each section of the course, thus becoming very familiar with both historical collections and contemporary concerns. 

Assessment details

There are 5 assessment items for this course:

• 1. 1500 word essay based on a topic from Weeks 2-7: 35% (outcomes 1,3,4)
• 2. Tutorial presentation 15 mins: 10% (outcomes 1,3,4)
• 3. 1500 word essay based on a topic from Weeks 8-13: 35% (outcomes 1,2,3,4,5)
• 4. Tutorial presentation 15 mins: 10% (outcomes 2,3,4,5)
• 5. Participation - tutorials and blog: 10% (outcomes 2,3,4)

1 hour tutorial per week, average 1.5 hours lectures per week. 

2.5 contact hours and approximately 5 hours of reading and essay preparation per week.

Introduction to Art History ARTH1002 and Introduction to Modern Art ARTH1003 or permission of the Coordinator.

"The Cultures of Collecting" John Elsner and Roger Cardinal (eds.) london: Reaktion Books, 1194.

"The rare art traditions. The history of art collecting and its linked phenomena", Joseph Alsop, New Yourk: Harper and Row: 1976.

"Kings and Connoisseurs. Collecting art in seventeenth century Europe", Johnathon Brown, Princeton: University Press, 1994.

Museum International - Journal of International Council of Museums (ICOM)

Journal of Museum Management and Curatorship.