Description
Book Synopsis: “The eye that gathers impressions is no longer the eye that sees a depiction on a surface; it becomes a hand, the ray of light becomes a finger, and the imagination becomes a form of immediate touching.”—Johann Gottfried Herder
Long recognized as one of the most important eighteenth-century works on aesthetics and the visual arts, Johann Gottfried Herder’s Plastik (Sculpture, 1778) has never before appeared in a complete English translation. In this landmark essay, Herder combines rationalist and empiricist thought with a wide range of sources—from the classics to Norse legend, Shakespeare to the Bible—to illuminate the ways we experience sculpture.
Standing on the fault line between classicism and romanticism, Herder draws most of his examples from classical sculpture, while nevertheless insisting on the historicity of art and of the senses themselves. Through a detailed analysis of the differences between painting and sculpture, he develops a powerful critique of the dominance of vision both in the appreciation of art and in our everyday apprehension of the world around us. One of the key articulations of the aesthetics of Sturm und Drang, Sculpture is also important as an anticipation of subsequent developments in art theory. Jason Gaiger’s translation of Sculpture includes an extensive introduction to Herder’s thought, explanatory notes, and illustrations of all the sculptures discussed in the text.
Details
Looking to expand your understanding and appreciation of the visual arts? Look no further than "Sculpture: Some Observations on Shape and Form from Pygmalion's Creative Dream Book". This groundbreaking work by Johann Gottfried Herder is a must-read for anyone interested in aesthetics and sculpture. With a wide range of sources, from classical works to Norse legends, Herder sheds light on the ways we experience sculpture and challenges the dominance of vision in art appreciation.
What sets "Sculpture" apart is its historical perspective. Herder recognizes the importance of understanding art within its historical context, showcasing his extensive knowledge of classical sculpture while emphasizing that art is not static, but evolves over time. By delving into the differences between painting and sculpture, Herder offers a fresh and powerful critique that will revolutionize the way you perceive art and the world around you.
With this complete English translation by Jason Gaiger, "Sculpture" is finally accessible to a wider audience. Gaiger's translation is accompanied by an extensive introduction to Herder's thought, as well as explanatory notes and illustrations of all the sculptures discussed in the text. Now you can immerse yourself in Herder's profound insights and gain a deeper understanding of the art that has shaped our cultural heritage.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the aesthetics of Sturm und Drang and discover how "Sculpture" paved the way for future developments in art theory. Elevate your knowledge and broaden your artistic horizons today.
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