Protomoderne

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The book features a collection of essays exploring the concept of "protomodernity" through various interdisciplinary lenses. The introduction sets the stage for a redefined research design, followed by a discussion on the potential for modernity within the Middle Ages. The first section delves into historical models and epoch formation, examining intercultural and postcolonial perspectives on protomodernity, as well as the limitations of art historical models in capturing the nuances of protomodern sculpture. The second section addresses epistemic crises, highlighting Petrarch's threshold texts and the hybrid forms of Baroque literature, with a focus on irony in early modern crisis management. The third section investigates constructions of nature, discussing identity and narrative coherence through examples like "Fortunatus" and "Ulenspiegel," and the societal shift towards recognizing differences in constructing functional wholes. The fourth section examines virtuality, complexity, and self-reference in literature, particularly in Johann Fischart's work, alongside observations on the transformation of monetary poetics around 1600 and the relativity of perception in Borromini's architectural perspective in Rome. Each contribution offers a unique perspective on the intricate interplay between historical contexts and modern interpretations, enriching the discourse on cultural and intellectual transitions.