The Etruscan Academy Museum of

the city of Cortona MAEC’s history stretches back to 1727 when the Accademia Etrusca (Etruscan Academy) was founded; the academy’s statutory goals included the dissemination of historical and artistic culture through key-tools such as the Library and the Museum both of which were public right from the earliest stages; over the past three centuries the Museum has undergone extraordinary development all the way to its final re-arrangement in 2008 The museum currently consists of two main sections respectively devoted to the Accademia Etrusca and the Etruscan and Roman city of Cortona.

Web: cortonamaec.org Email: info@cortonamaec.org

The University of Alberta

School in Cortona The seeds of the School in Cortona were first planted in 1992 when archaeologist Helena Fracchia, a University of Alberta classics professor, began excavating a Roman-era site a few kilometres outside the town walls near the village of Ossaia. That excavation soon became the location of a U of A archaeology field school that continues to bring Alberta students to Cortona each summer. The Cortona School is a truly collaborative effort, with the town supplying classroom and office space, as well as instructional equipment and supplies. The University looks after the academic standards, the administration, and provides the lecturers.

Email: cortona@ualberta.ca

Psychology and Art:

The Donald Walk:

Art and Cognitive Evolution

Prepared by Students of the University of Alberta - School in

Cortona

 

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 Psychology and Art Museum Walk

Series Do you enjoy art? When asked this question, most would likely say yes. However, if asked “do you know why you enjoy art?” or “do you know why we create art?”, the answers would likely be less unanimous. With MAEC as their subject, students studying the psychology of art at the University of Alberta’s School in Cortona have set out to answer questions like these through a series of three art walks. Each walk covers seven pieces throughout the museum, ranging from ancient Etruscans to modern Severinis, and looks at each through the eyes of a particular psychologist. Hopefully by learning about the psychology behind art, you can appreciate it more than you already do.

Museum Map – The Donald Walk  

 Art and Cognitive Evolution

Merlin Donald What are the origins of art and what is its cognitive function? This is one of the questions that Merlin Donald sought to answer in his book The Artful Mind (2006). In order to find an answer, he first presents a set of cognitive principles that he believes govern art. While there are seven in total, they can be distilled down into three key principles: 1. Art is created to communicate a cognitive outcome 2. Human beings are self-reflecting and self-improving

creatures; this is mirrored in the art they create 3. Art and artists exist and create in the context of a

greater cultural network Throughout the walk this pamphlet will examine seven pieces that exemplify these principles. Each work will have one of the above highlighted; however consider how the other two could be applied, as they should all be present in all art. Now, how do the aforementioned principles tie into the origin of art and what is the cognitive function of art? Approximately 2 million years ago, humans gained the cognitive ability to reflect on their own actions (Principle #2), as well as form cultures. In order to communicate skills, beliefs and values without verbal language primitive forms of art were used (Principle #1). Since then, art and artists have played a role in communicating messages regarding culture and worldviews (Principle #3).

The Donald Walk (Red Markers)

This walk begins one floor below the entrance in room 6. We encourage you to begin two floors down in order to not miss any interesting artifacts. 1. Etruscan Burial Urn (Principle #1) – Carved into

the side of this burial urn is a depiction of a battle, presumably that which claimed the life of the individual who it was made for. This is clearly trying to communicate the great bravery of the deceased, as well as ensure his memory lives on.

Continue to room 14

The Donald Walk Continued

(Red Markers) 2. Etruscan Floor Mural (Principle #3) – Art exists in

the context of the greater cultural network and this is no exception. Elegant floor murals like this were decorative elements in rooms used for parties, showing the importance of these events to Etruscan culture, as well as the status of the hosts.

Turn left and go up two floors to room AE19 3. Stone Cross (Principle #3) – Artistic renditions of

religious symbols can be found throughout many museums, demonstrating their obvious importance to the Culture of the age and area. As cultures shift, as do their art. This is starkly clear as you walk through the ages of this museum.

Continue to Room AE18 4. Etruscan Chandelier (Principle #2) – A commonality

amongst much Etruscan art, this chandelier included, is its depiction of the people themselves. This is a reflection of the artist’s view of reality, no different then how artists today portray their own worldviews.

Continue to room AE6 5. Globe of the World (Principle #2) – Maps and

globes like this one show a growing understanding of ones place in the universe. The juxtaposition of this piece and the Etruscan chandelier show the growth in our understanding of our world.

Go up one floor and turn left to find room AE8 6. Family Tree (Principle #3) – Historically, many

pieces of art, such as this family tree, would have been commissioned by important members of society. As a result, these individuals controlled the worldviews portrayed by art and artists. This has changed significantly, as many artists today shape the culture we call our own.

Walk towards the stairs and continue into room AE11 7. Severini’s Maternity (Principle #1) – Artists guide

the viewer to their desired outcome by sparking them to think of their own experiences. Does this painting evoke thoughts of your mother? Your children? If so, then Severnini has succeeded in communicated a cognitive outcome through his 1916 work Maternity.

This concludes The Donald Walk. Thank you and we hope that you have enjoyed this perspective on art!

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Entrance