Description
Book Synopsis: Jean-Claude Lebensztejn’s history of the urinating figure in art, Pissing Figures 1280–2014, is at once a scholarly inquiry into an important visual motif, and a ribald statement on transgression and limits in works of art in general. Lebensztejn is one of France’s best-kept secrets. A world-class art historian who has lectured and taught at major universities in the United States, his work has remained almost entirely in French, his American audience limited to a small but dedicated group of cognoscenti.
First introducing the Manneken Pis—the iconic little boy whose stream of urine supplies water to this famous fountain and is also the logo for a Belgian beer company—the author takes the reader through a semi-scatological maze of cultural history. The earliest example is a fresco scene located directly above Cimabue’s Crucifixion from around 1280 at the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, in which Lebensztejn’s careful eye locates an angel behind a pillar who looks like he is about to urinate through a hole in his garment. He continues to navigate expertly through cultural twists and turns, stopping to discuss Pier Paolo Pasolini’s 1968 film Teorema, for example, and Marlene Dumas’s 1996–1997 homage to Rembrandt’s pissing woman. At every moment, Lebensztejn’s prose is lively, his thinking dynamic, and his subject matter entertaining.
In this short and poignant cultural history, readers not only find the care for detail that has made Lebensztejn into one of the greatest European art historians, but also the rebelliousness that makes him one of the most interesting intellectuals of our time. The first widely distributed book of Lebensztejn’s in English, Pissing Figures 1280–2014 is simultaneously published in France by Éditions Macula.
Details
Discover the hidden secrets and taboo art motifs that have fascinated art enthusiasts for centuries with Jean-Claude Lebensztejn's groundbreaking book, Pissing Figures 1280-2014 (ekphrasis). This scholarly exploration of the urinating figure in art is not only an insightful inquiry into an important visual motif, but also a daring statement on transgression and boundaries within artistic works. With his extensive knowledge and expertise, Lebensztejn takes readers on a scintillating journey through cultural history, unravelling the symbolism behind this intriguing subject matter.
Lebensztejn, one of France's best-kept secrets, has been captivating audiences in his home country for years. Now, for the first time, his captivating work is available to a wider audience. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the mind of a true intellectual and explore the often overlooked narratives present in art. With his lively prose and dynamic thinking, Lebensztejn provides a fresh perspective that will both educate and entertain.
From the iconic Manneken Pis in Belgium to modern reinterpretations by renowned artists such as Marlene Dumas, Lebensztejn uncovers the hidden stories behind these pissing figures. His careful analysis of Cimabue's fresco scene and explorations of Pasolini's famous film, Teorema, will leave you captivated and eager to explore more.
This short yet poignant cultural history is a testament to Lebensztejn's meticulous attention to detail and rebellious nature. As one of Europe's greatest art historians, he pushes boundaries and challenges conventional thinking, making him one of the most intriguing intellectuals of our time. Be part of this groundbreaking exploration of art, buy Pissing Figures 1280-2014 today!
Get your copy of Pissing Figures 1280-2014 and delve into the fascinating world of art's most provocative symbol.
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