Art lovers are invited to explore both well-loved and little-known works in the National Gallery’s Renaissance collection.

Rather than examining the works chronologically or in terms of biography or school, each session in the six-week course will take an alternative approach to the art of the period 1500s, focusing on questions such as iconography, religion and patronage.

Artists under discussion will include Raphael, Holbein, Cranach, El Greco, Michelangelo and Dürer, as well as other less familiar names.

There will also be an in-depth contribution from the National Gallery’s head of art handling, who will screen and discuss a film of his team at work on Sebastiano del Piombo’s masterpiece, the Raising of Lazarus.

The guest talk will reveal a rare, behind-the-scenes insight into the work that experts at the gallery do to care for, protect and present the collection.

Sian Walters said she was delighted to be running another course in Cobham.

Walters said: “My lectures are characterised by a relaxed and entertaining learning environment, designed for all levels of interest which often allows for lively discussion.

“It's a great way also to meet new people with similar interests as well. The groups are always very friendly and we enjoy a refreshments break in the gardens after the first hour, which is very sociable.”

Exploring the National Gallery collection; Churchgate House Centre, Downside Bridge Road, Cobham; May 17 to June 21, Fridays at 11am; £72 including refreshments; to enrol visit arthistoryinfocus.com or email info@arthistoryinfocus.com.