As part of our Neighbourhood Learning Summer School 2026, join art historian Angie Smith for a compelling and richly illustrated Neighbourhood Workshop dedicated to one of the most electrifying — and turbulent — figures in the history of Western art.
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571–1610) burned through life like the dramatic shafts of light that define his paintings. Brilliant, volatile, and utterly uncompromising, he transformed the art world of the 17th century with a vision so radical, so viscerally real, that it shook the very foundations of how artists depicted the world around them.
Whether conjuring the uncanny stillness of an illusionistic still life or filling vast canvases with raw, flesh-and-blood Biblical drama, Caravaggio's approach was unlike anything that had come before. He pulled his saints from the streets, gave his angels the faces of ordinary men and women, and bathed his scenes in a darkness that made the light feel almost supernatural. It was an approach that proved enormously influential — and not a little controversial.
For Caravaggio's genius came wrapped in chaos. His career was shadowed by scandal, conflict and violence, and his relationships with patrons were frequently as dramatic as the paintings themselves. Angie will guide you through the full arc of this extraordinary life — from the heights of his celebrated years in Rome, to his restless, fugitive later career in Naples and Malta — revealing an artist whose work continues to astonish, disturb and move us in equal measure.
Our home for the day will be the wonderful Holbrook Manor, a graceful Georgian house set in the peaceful Somerset countryside near Wincanton. Effortlessly combining heritage, comfort, and tranquillity, you’ll immediately feel at home. With a 2-course lunch included and refreshments at breaktimes prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, we’ve certainly got your appetite for both delicious food and learning covered!
Book your place…
For a full course description, including details on the tutor, venue, accommodation (where applicable) and more, visit our full listings page by clicking here.
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Angie has a first class honours degree in Art History and a Phd in Cultural History from the Warburg Institute (London University). She is an experienced lecturer; she taught for more than a decade in higher education and is an accredited lecturer for the Arts Society. Angie has published many articles and a number of books including A Timeline of Art History and most recently, a volume for the Oxford Historical Society on the building accounts of Corpus Christi College, Oxford.
Click here to find out more about Angie Smith and find out more about her upcoming courses
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Nestled in the Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a charming Georgian house offering comfort, calm, and character — ideal for residential courses and retreats. With its elegant rooms and home-cooked meals, it’s the perfect place to learn, relax, and recharge.
The venue has plenty of free parking and the course rooms are all accessible.
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Please note: The following timings are just for guidance. Confirmed timings will be released to students nearer the course start date.
We will usually begin from 10:00 before a short mid-morning break at 11:00. We’ll then run until we have a lunch break at 12:30 (Food will be served at 13:00) before resuming until 15:30.
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Pen & paper if you wish to take notes, and an open mind!
Our Summer School 2026 is here!
Enjoying the look of this course? This is just one of a wonderful array of talks, workshops and lectures taking place throughout the Neighbourhood Learning Summer School 2026. From art history and architecture to craft and culture, there's something to fascinate and inspire at every turn — and if you really want to immerse yourself, why not join us as a resident for the entire Summer School? Visit our dedicated Summer School page to explore everything that's on offer and find out how to make the most of this very special summer.
