Josef Strzygowski (1861–1942), Dmitry Ainalov (1862–1939) and the Question of Geographical Borders in the Theory of Art: The Possibility of a “Geographic Eye”
Francesco Leonelli
Cyril Mango in his book “Byzantium. The Empire of New Rome” (1980), wrote that Byzantineart, along with Byzantine studies, flourished as a prolific ally more Russia than anywhere else the world. In contrast, theory art Western European countries branded derogatory for many centuries typical iconographical and stylistic features geographically-based stigma “maniera greca” (Greek Manner). This definition often compromised, some rare exceptions, correct appreciation Eastern Europe, minimizing contribution East to development western civilizations. An exception, break this misconception component art, is controversial essay by Austrian historian Josef Strzygowski “Orient oder Rom”(1901). study, radically opposes Rome-based aesthetical theories, such widely accepted ideas Franz Wickhoff Alois Riegl, surprisingly finding roots German Slavic Iran, Armenia Egypt. theories Strzygowski, although connoted from anti-Roman resentment strong nationalism, gave fundamental impulse revaluation Europe. Indeed are not very new. 1890, during sort Grand Tour, he attended Russian Archeological Congress where met scholar Dmitry Ainalov. 1900 (one year before Rom”), Ainalov published “The Hellenistic Origins Art”, which emphasizes originality product claims its independency Roman art. These ideas, were shared scholarship tended see patriotically uniqueness, helped paradoxically through mediation radical scholars be able “break down borders” develop better comprehension importance East. case Strzygowski–Ainalov an example attempt History Art evaluate object pure expression spirit population particular geographical area. From initial situation, paper intends examine geography formation theories. To paraphrase Michael Baxandall famous “Period Eye”, can we speak “Geographic Eye” when try comprehend period? what extent Geography Artpossible today? What roles borders analysis work? meant definitions (such “German”, “Italian”, Russian”, or “Western” “Eastern”) once they applied art? light recent debates on possibility global history, well developing new geopolitical horizons, do have same conception today past? advantages risks methodology based geographic parameter considering
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