Hans Sedlmayr Book order

Alois Riegl significantly shaped art history as a distinct academic discipline, emerging from the Vienna School of Art History. His early work included a dissertation on the Romanesque Church of St. Jacob and a focus on medieval calendar manuscripts. As curator at the Austrian Museum, he published influential texts like Altorientalische Teppiche and Stilfragen, showcasing his interdisciplinary approach. Riegl's lectures on baroque art challenged prevailing views, contributing to a reevaluation of the period and establishing a foundational methodology in art history.

Focusing on the evolution of art from the early nineteenth century, the narrative explores the ongoing tensions between innovative and traditional styles. It highlights how these conflicts led to the rise of high modernism, characterized by formalism and aesthetic independence. The book provides a critical examination of artistic movements and their interactions, offering insights into the shifting dynamics of creativity and expression in the art world.