Reading the Clues: The Art of Signs, Symbols and Colors in Paintings

Have you ever wondered why that lion is just lurking about the painting or why those insects were included in that drawing? Did the artist really need to use that particular color?

Join us as we investigate the greater meanings behind the language of signs, symbols and colors used in the arts through the ages and their significant impact on our cultural development. Our exploration will examine the religious art of Judaism and Christianity, as well as the elements of nature used to provide deeper insights and meaning. We also will question whether these signs and symbols are still readable today, or if they are being negated by our shifting world.

Christine Maasdam holds a master’s in humanities and a bachelor’s in cultural geography. Her studies include The Courtauld Institute of Art in London, The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center in Washington, D.C., and post graduate studies in antiquities trafficking and art crime at the University of Glasgow. She is a graduate of the Art Crime Investigation Seminar led by Robert Wittman, founder of the FBI's National Art Crime Team. She is a member of the International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection and holds a certificate on Protection of Cultural Venues. She is an active volunteer at the City of David archaeological dig in Israel.

Registration is required by March 11. Cost is $10 per course, or $40 for the entire series. Registered participants will receive a Zoom link via email prior to the lecture.

All lectures will be virtual. Students can use the Zoom chat function to submit questions. All lectures will be recorded (with the exception of the James Webb Space Telescope lecture) and available for students to watch upon request. 

The Fifty and Better program was designed to offer university-level courses (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older.

Register

Register by 3 p.m. March 11