Theories of Art offers a thorough-going analysis and reassessment of major trends in European art theory and the development of that theory from the time of Plato to the early eighteenth century.
Moshe Barasch Books
Moshe Barasch was the first Israeli art historian to achieve worldwide recognition, lecturing widely at institutions in Europe and the United States. His methodology closely follows the early Warburg tradition, focusing on the relationships between artworks rather than periodized art history. Barasch explored themes ranging from late antiquity, through the Middle Ages, to the Renaissance. His lectures and books, many written in Hebrew, helped develop the field's terminology in that language and highlighted many subjects that would later attract scholars in the humanities.
Focusing on the evolution of European art theory, this book spans from Plato to the early eighteenth century, providing a detailed analysis of key trends and ideas. It examines the influences of antiquity, St. Thomas Aquinas, and medieval aesthetics, leading into the diversification of art disciplines during the late Renaissance. By clearly outlining the development of art theory and addressing central issues of each era, it serves as both a valuable resource for art historians and an engaging introduction for general readers.
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- 296 pages
- 11 hours of reading
Over the centuries, European debate about nature and status of images of God and sacred figures has often upset the established order and shaken societies to their core. This book focuses on these historical arguments, from the period of Late Antiquity up to the classic defenses of images by St John of Damascus and Theodore of Studion.