Problems of Style

Alois Riegl's work, emerging during the arts and crafts movement in Vienna, offers a pivotal perspective on art and its inspirations. He traces the history of ornamentation from ancient Egypt to the Islamic period, asserting that creativity is evident in both high art and everyday objects. Riegl emphasizes that change is a fundamental aspect of style. This new translation presents his influential ideas in accessible language, inviting readers to engage with his theories in the context of modern revisionist discussions.