Looking for Lines: Theories on the Essence of Art and the Problem of Mannerism

by Paul van den Akker

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9089641785
• ISBN13: 9789089641786
• Release Date: November 2010
• Publisher: Amsterdam University Press
• Length: 528 Pages