Course ARS 107 · Year I · Autumn 2026-2027

Artistic Anatomy

Elective (1 of 3) course in Sacred art, taught by Andrei Florin Musat.

Overview

Lecturer
Andrei Florin Musat
Seminar tutor
Andrei Florin Musat
Type of course
Elective (1 of 3)
Language of instruction
Romanian
Erasmus language
English
Domain
Visual arts
Field of study
Sacred art
Form of education
Part-time
Form of instruction
Class
Credit awarded by
Grade
Teaching methods
Interactive lectures, practical anatomical drawing demonstrations, guided studio exercises, and research-based independent project work.

Aims

To master the theoretical principles and structural drawing techniques of human anatomy for sacred art.

To apply anatomical proportions and morphology correctly within traditional iconographic compositions.

To develop artistic research skills and technical precision for professional practice in visual arts.

Course contents

This course provides a comprehensive structural and practical study of human artistic anatomy, tailored specifically for the requirements of sacred and iconographic art. The theoretical lectures focus on the systematic analysis of the human skeleton, bony landmarks, and cutaneous points of reference across all major anatomical regions: the vertebral column, thorax, pelvis, upper and lower limbs, and the skull. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the skeleton as an "invisible architecture," exploring the bridge between fundamental anatomical proportions, structural mechanics, and the canonical stylization principles required in iconographic art.

Complementing the theoretical modules, the practical seminars focus on hands-on visual representation and analytical drawing of each skeletal section. Students apply structural drawing techniques through step-by-step studies of the spine, torso, limbs, and cranial morphology. The practical component culminates in analytical case studies, such as the double-drawing technique (overlay on tracing paper) applied to iconic figures enabling students to identify cutaneous landmarks, deconstruct canonical drapery, and map underlying anatomical structures within traditional iconographic compositions.

Learning outcomes

Identification, definition, and analysis of the specific artistic language of visual arts, with a particular focus on artistic anatomy. Training practitioners in visual arts, specifically within the field of sacred and religious art.

Carrying out research activities aimed at developing applied technical and scientific studies within the field of arts.

Acquiring practical and theoretical knowledge regarding visual expression media (sacred art, painting, graphics, digital image processing.

Assessment

Continuous evaluation of practical anatomical drawings, portfolio presentation, written theoretical exam, and active studio participation.

Recommended reading

Anatomie artistica vol 1
Ghiţescu, Gh
Polirom, Iasi, 2011 · 200
Anatomie artistica vol 2
Ghiţescu, Gh
Polirom, Iasi, 2011 · 250
Létude du corps humain
Bammes G.
Paris, Paris, 1991 · 140