Hegel's Art History and the Critique of Modernity (Res Monographs in Anthropology and Aesthetics)

In this study, Beat Wyss provides a critical analysis of Hegel's theories of art history. Analogous to his philosophy of history, Hegel viewed the history of art in dialectical terms: With its origins in the Ancient Near East, Western art culminated in Classical Greece, but began its decline already in the Hellenistic period. Yet, as Wyss posits, art refuses its programmed demise. He highlights the political dimension of this contradiction, showing the implications of theories that subordinate art to the will of absolute rule. In This Study, Beat Wyss Provides A Critical Analysis Of Hegel's Theories Of Art History. Analogous To His Philosophy Of History, Hegel Viewed The History Of Art In Dialectical Terms: With Its Origins In The Ancient Near East, Western Art Culminated In Classical Greece, But Began Its Decline Already In The Hellenistic Period. Yet, As Wyss Posits, Art Refuses Its Programmed Demise. He Highlights The Political Dimension Of This Contradiction, Showing The Implication Of Theories Which Subordinate Art To The Will Of Absolute Rule. Wyss Follows His Analysis Of Hegel's Theories With A Discussion Of The Work Of Four Modern Successors - Nordau, Spengler, Sedlmayr, And Lukacsall Of Whom Adapted Hegel's Dialectic Model, In An Effort To Demonstrate The Central Contradictions Of Twentieth-century Aesthetics. Pt. 1. Hegel's Last Walk Through His Museum. Morning: Oriental Symbolism -- Noon -- Evening: The West -- The Fourth Chapter Of The Dialectics -- Pt. 2. An Unholy Alliance. Degeneration -- Decline -- Loss Of The Centre -- Decadence -- Pt. 3. Reason Outschemed Beat Wyss ; Translated By Caroline Dobson Saltzwedel. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 265-283) And Index. Provides a critical analysis of Hegel's theories of art history. Analogous to his philosophy of history, Hegel viewed the history of art in dialectical terms: with its origins in the ancient Near East, Western art culminated in classical Greece, but began its decline already in the Hellenistic period. yet, as the author posits, art refuses its programmed demise. he highlights the political dimension of this contradiction, showing the implication of theories which subordinate art to the will of absolute rule. the author follows his analysis of Hegel's theories with a discussion of the work of four modern successors - Nordau, Spengler, Sedlmayr, and Lukács - all of whom adapted Hegel's dialectic model, in an effort to demonstrate the central contradictions of twentieth-century aesthetics This 1999 book provides an analysis of Hegel's art history. Analogous to his philosophy of history, Hegel viewed the history of art in dialectical terms: with its origins in the Ancient Near East, Western art culminated in Classical Greece, but began its decline already in the Hellenistic period. Yet modern art refuses to abide by Hegel's programmed demise.