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

1. 2000 word essay based on a topic from Weeks 2-7: 35% (outcomes 1,3,4)
2. Tutorial presentation 20 mins: 10% (outcomes 1,3,4)
3. 2000 word essay based on a topic from Weeks 8-13: 35% (outcomes 1,2,3,4,5) 
4. Tutorial presentation 20 mins: 10% (outcomes 2,3,4,5)
5. Participation - tutorials and blog: 10% (outcomes 2,3,4)

3 contact hours and approximately 6 hours per week of study.

There is no specific assumed knowledge for this course though students are expected to have some basic research skills.

There is no specific assumed knowledge for this course though students are expected to have some basic research skills.

"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.

"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.

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