Title
Forms of Representation in Alois Riegl's Theory of Art,Used
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
Alois Riegl (18581905) made pioneering contributions to the history of late Roman, seventeenthcentury Dutch, and Baroque art. His impact on scholars, however, extended beyond arthistorical circles into the fields of art theory, psychology, sociology, literary criticism, and philosophy. Margaret Olin utilizes extensive archival material and the entire range of Riegls published writings to locate his theory of representation in the Viennese and wider European intellectual context of the late nineteenth century.Riegl is usually viewed as a precursor of midtwentiethcentury formal criticism. Yet his formal theory had a representational edge. He shared with many positivists the sanguine expectation that the emulation of scientific methodology could provide solutions to humanistic and social concerns. Accordingly, he modeled his view both of his own field, art history, and of artistic practice on the observational sciences. In representational art, he adhered to naturalism. With his studies of the lotus ornament in Stilfragen, however, he broached the issues of formal theory that gave his work lasting significance. Olin interprets these studies in the light of a theory of "structural symbolism" associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement, showing how they articulate in great detail a theory of the capacity for representation in ostensibly nonrepresentational ornament. Riegl envisioned the designer as an ornamental scientist, who studies the structure of surfaces in almost scientific detail to develop increasingly complex means of symbolizing its solidity and unity, just as the fine artist studies nature to depict it ever more accurately.Olin's account of Riegl illuminates the hidden representational agenda of early formal theory crucial to the dramatic call for nonobjective art, which Riegl's theories helped inspire. In so doing, it also reveals Riegl's significance for the present, postformalist phase of arthistory writing.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main focus of 'Forms of Representation in Alois Riegl's Theory of Art'? A: The book explores Alois Riegl's contributions to art theory, particularly his theory of representation in the context of late nineteenth-century Viennese and European intellectual thought.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Margaret Olin, who utilizes extensive archival materials and Riegl's writings to analyze his impact on art history and theory.
- Q: What are the key themes discussed in this book? A: Key themes include Riegl's formal theory, the relationship between art and scientific methodology, and the concept of 'structural symbolism' in nonrepresentational ornament.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: The book was published on July 14, 1992.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: The book is listed in 'Good' condition.
- Q: How many pages does this book contain? A: The book contains 262 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is bound in hardcover format.
- Q: What is the significance of Riegl's theories according to the author? A: Olin argues that Riegl's theories reveal a hidden representational agenda in early formal theory, which influenced the development of nonobjective art.
- Q: Is this book suitable for someone new to art theory? A: Yes, the book provides a comprehensive overview of Riegl's theories and their implications, making it accessible for those new to art theory.
- Q: What is the category under which this book is listed? A: The book is categorized under 'Criticism'.