
Looking for Lines
Theories on the Essence of Art and the Problem of Mannerism
Paul van den Akker(Author)
Amsterdam University Press
Published on 10. November 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
528 pages
978-90-8964-178-6 (ISBN)
Description
Studies of Old Masters are often implicitly based on modern notions, which do not necessarily tally with ideas contemporary with their art. According to one such tacit assumption a work of art gains its status from the quality of the abstract pictorial composition made up of lines and colours. Whether discussing a medieval altarpiece, or a fresco by Raphael, it is customary to relate its artistic value to the abstract formal language into which the figures or narratives are translated, and not to the power of the visual illusion which is conjured up by the work of art.
Referring to the ideas of art historians, critics and philosophers including Hogarth, Caylus, Goethe, Schnaase, Burckhardt, Woelfflin and Shearman, this theoretically revolutionary study questions the historical validity of this view by tracking down its origins back to the eighteenth century and then following its evolution up to the present day. Paying particular attention to the historiography of Mannerism, it scrutinises the influence that this view has had on aesthetic judgments over the past three centuries. A perfect companion for anyone engaged with aesthetics, this book offers a valuable contribution to the discussion surrounding the principles and values in art history.
Referring to the ideas of art historians, critics and philosophers including Hogarth, Caylus, Goethe, Schnaase, Burckhardt, Woelfflin and Shearman, this theoretically revolutionary study questions the historical validity of this view by tracking down its origins back to the eighteenth century and then following its evolution up to the present day. Paying particular attention to the historiography of Mannerism, it scrutinises the influence that this view has had on aesthetic judgments over the past three centuries. A perfect companion for anyone engaged with aesthetics, this book offers a valuable contribution to the discussion surrounding the principles and values in art history.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
Netherlands
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Academic
Illustrations
150 black and white illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 244 mm
Width: 170 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight
897 gr
ISBN-13
978-90-8964-178-6 (9789089641786)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
10/2025
Routledge
€100.99
Available for download

E-Book
10/2025
Routledge
€100.99
Available for download
Person
Paul van den Akker is lecturer at the Department of Art History at the VU University Amsterdam.
Content
Preface, Introduction, PART I, PART II, PART III, Notes, Bibliography, Index of names