This course explores the history and imaginary of tea, coffee and chocolate and is delivered through interactive art history sessions, visits and tastings. How do we explain our current access to these “exotic” products from Asia, Arabia and Mesoamerica? The following topics will be covered:
- cultures of origin
- the evolution of Western perception of these commodities since the 16th century
- the iconography linked to this consumption: work, sociability, eroticism, colonialism, advertising
The analysis of visual sources, material sources (utensils, furniture and objets d’art), architectural sources (pagodas, pavilions, dairies, cafés, kitchens) and ritual sources (ceremonies, manners) is paired with an examination of the human and ecological impact of our dependence on tea, coffee and chocolate.
IESA students benefit from a preferential rate and 4 ECTS.
Course open to the external public.
In-person option (limited to 15 people) and remote option. For the full program, click here.
Contact: Pascale Rihouet, organizer of this course and art history professor: p.rihouet@iesa.fr
Registration: admissions@iesa.fr