Hegel's Art History and the Critique of Modernity

by Beat Wyss

Overview

In this study, Beat Wyss provides a critical analysis of Hegel's theories of art history. Analogous to his philosophy of history, Hegel viewed the history of art in dialectical terms: With its origins in the Ancient Near East, Western art culminated in Classical Greece, but began its decline already in the Hellenistic period. Yet, as Wyss posits, art refuses its programmed demise. He highlights the political dimension of this contradiction, showing the implications of theories that subordinate art to the will of absolute rule.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521592116
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/13/1999
Series:	Res Monographs in Anthropology and Aesthetics
Pages:	306
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.70(d)

Table of Contents

Part I. Hegel's Last Walk Through his Museum: 1. Morning: oriental symbolism; 2. Noon; 3. Evening: the West; 4. The fourth chapter of the dialectics; Part II. An Unholy Alliance: 5. Degeneration; 6. Decline; 7. Loss of the centre; 8. Decadence; Part III. Reason Outschemed: Epilogue.

Editorial Reviews

"These are essential source books and, althouggh very different, are fine examples of perceptive and concrete analysis written in highly readable styles." The Art Book Jan 2002

From the Publisher