Art in a Changing World
Art in a Changing World will consider how artists have captured revolutions that, albeit social and non-political, have forever affected the human experience. Of particular focus will be the Scientific, Industrial, and Modern Cultural Revolutions that have deeply altered humanity over the last few centuries. Artistic interpretation, scrambling to understand changing, unforeseen, and often disturbing new circumstances, provides an unparalleled picture.
Your Instructor
PhD in Art History
New York University
Caroline Goldberg Igra is an art historian, a writer, and a triathlete. She splits her time between Philadelphia and Tel Aviv. She received a Ph.D. in Art History from the Institute of Fine Arts, NYU, after studying at Brown University and the University of Michigan. Among her art-historical publications are a monograph on the Polish artist J.D. Kirszenbaum, which was chosen as one of Slate Magazine's Best Books in 2013, and numerous articles in refereed academic journals. Her creative nonfiction has been featured in several literary journals, including the Jewish Book Council's PB Daily and Collateral. She has published three novels, the last, Pictures of My Desire, in October 2025.
What you'll learn
Gain an understanding of early Modern art history.
Exposure to contemporary art and its effort to capture our changing world.
Knowledge of both classical art and more contemporary conceptual art.
Learn how to look at art, understand its message, and learn something about the world from which it emerged.
Course Schedule
Early scientific developments forever altered the understanding of humans and the universe in which they live. Early artistic efforts to capture each discovery, as well as the fascination with them, were bold, brazen, and sometimes horrific. This lesson will consider the artwork of Johannes Vermeer, Joseph Wright of Derby, and Thomas Eakins.
What You Get
Live interactive sessions
Engage in real-time discussions with expert instructors
Small discussion groups
Up to 17 students for personalized attention
Session recordings
Review and revisit class content anytime
Dedicated platform
Track progress and organize your schedule
Frequently asked questions
Course-specific questions
Your Instructor
PhD in Art History
New York University
Caroline Goldberg Igra is an art historian, a writer, and a triathlete. She splits her time between Philadelphia and Tel Aviv. She received a Ph.D. in Art History from the Institute of Fine Arts, NYU, after studying at Brown University and the University of Michigan. Among her art-historical publications are a monograph on the Polish artist J.D. Kirszenbaum, which was chosen as one of Slate Magazine's Best Books in 2013, and numerous articles in refereed academic journals. Her creative nonfiction has been featured in several literary journals, including the Jewish Book Council's PB Daily and Collateral. She has published three novels, the last, Pictures of My Desire, in October 2025.