Reviewing the Past
The Presence of Ruins
Abstract
Though constantly in decay, ruins continue to fascinate the observer. Their still-standing survival is a loud affirmation of their presence, in which we can admire the struggle against the power of Nature aesthetically manifested during the decay.
This volume takes a thematic approach to examining the aesthetics of ruins. It looks at the general aspects of architectural decay and its classical forms of admiration and then turns towards ruins from both classical and contemporary periods, from both Western and non-Western areas, and with examples from “high art” as well as popular culture. Combining the methodologies of art history, aesthetics and cultural history, this book opens up new ways of looking at the phenomenon of ruins.
Schlagworte
aesthetics aesthetics of ruins art criticism philosophy philosophy of art history of art cultural history- 65–128 Modern Appearances 65–128
- 129–178 When in Works 129–178
- 179–226 Afterlife 179–226
- 227–242 Bibliography 227–242
- 243–252 Index 243–252
- 253–254 About the Author 253–254