Michael D. Morford
Assistant Professor of Art History
EMAIL: mmorford@bmcc.cuny.edu
Office: F-1130N
Office Hours:
Phone: +1 (212) 346-8637
Michael Morford received his BFA in Painting and Drawing and his MA in Art history from Texas Christian University. He earned his PhD in Art History from the Case Western Reserve University joint program with the Cleveland Museum of Art. Michael joins BMCC after teaching for six years at the Savannah College of At & Design. His focus has been on art of the Italian Renaissance with recent and forthcoming publications in Sixteenth-Century drawings, Mannerism, Medici Patronage & Propaganda, and is currently conducting research on the influence of dream writings on the artists defined as Mannerists.
Expertise
Italian Renaissance, Baroque, Art History
Degrees
- B.F.A. Texas Christian University, Drawing & Painting,1994
- M.A. Texas Christian University, Art History,2000
- Ph.D. Case Western Reserve Univ., Art History,2009
Courses Taught
- This introduction to art history includes the study of painting, sculpture, architecture and other media by surveying the Paleolithic period through the Late Gothic period using a global approach. This exploration of art and architecture in terms of history, social context, meaning and style will promote a general understanding of the development of art and style in different cultures and the effects of cultural exchange on the arts. Discussions of techniques, media, composition, and figure representation will provide an understanding of key concepts in the arts.
- Using a global approach, this introduction to art history includes the study of painting, sculpture, architecture and other media by surveying the Renaissance through the start of the twentieth century. The exploration of techniques, media, composition, and figure representation will provide an understanding of key concepts in the arts with additional focus on the historical and social context, which developed the meaning and changing styles in different cultures as well as the effects of cultural exchange through the arts.
- This introduction to art principles and terms includes the study of the plastic arts: nature, content, and form. The meaning of illusion and abstraction, style and the changing concept of reality in art throughout history are explored. Selected paintings, sculpture, and architecture are examined.
- This course is designed as a survey of Medieval Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire through the Gothic Period and the beginnings of the Renaissance. A study of the artistic and architectural traditions borrowed from antiquity and the new developments of the periods discussed will be conducted to develop an understanding of the broader context of the migrating peoples and the Christian traditions spreading throughout the regions as Modern Europe is born. Prerequisite: ENG 101 and (ART 102 or ART 104)
- This course provides an overview of the Fifteenth through Seventeenth Centuries in Europe, with a focus on the discoveries made in the arts and beyond. In an age when patrons and artists considered themselves intellectuals and explorers, this course will examine individual artists, artworks, materials and techniques, and the ever-growing need to "create" something new. Students will conduct their own exploration of the contextual topics surrounding the arts, the lasting influences, and the influences on and by other cultures transmitted through trade and travel. Prerequisite: ENG 101 and (ART 102 or ART 104)
- This capstone course for Art History Majors covers a range of topics relating to the pursuit of careers in the arts. Students will develop a topic and complete a comprehensive research paper for presentation. During the semester, students will take part in museum visits, gallery tours, and attend talks by professionals in the field of art history to develop an understanding of the opportunities for art historians. Prerequisite: Departmental permission
Research and Projects
- Influence of “dream writings” on Mannerism
Researching possible links on the evolution of Mannerism and the increasing popularity of writings on dreams from classical and contemporary authors, philosophers, physicians, theologians, and artists.
