Art in Theory, 1648–1815: An Anthology of Changing Ideas

Art in Theory

by Charles Harrison (Editor), Paul Wood (Editor), Jason Gaiger (Editor)

Art in Theory, 1648–1815 provides a wide-ranging and comprehensive collection of documents on the theory of art from the founding of the French Academy until the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Like its highly successful companion volumes, Art in Theory, 1815–1900 and Art in Theory, 1900–1990, its primary aim is to provide students and teachers with the documentary material for informed and up-to-date study. Its 240 texts, clear principles of organization and considerable editorial content offer a vivid and indispensable introduction to the art of the early modern period.

Harrison, Wood, and Gaiger have collected writing by artists, critics, philosophers, literary figures, and administrators of the arts, some reprinted in their entirety, others excerpted from longer works. A wealth of material from French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, and Latin sources is also provided, including many new translations.

Among the major themes treated are early arguments over the relative merits of ancient and modern art, debates between the advocates of form and color, the beginnings of modern art criticism in reviews of the Salon, art and politics during the French Revolution, the rise of landscape painting, and the artistic theories of Romanticism and Neo-classicism.

Each section is prefaced by an essay that situates the ideas of the period in their historical context, while relating theoretical concerns and debates to developments in the practice of art. Each individual text is also accompanied by a short introduction. An extensive bibliography and full index are provided.

Genres: Art, Art History, History, Reference, Nonfiction, Essays

1248 pages, Paperback

First published January 16, 1991

About the author

Charles Townsend Harrison, BA Hons (Cantab), MA (Cantab), PhD (London) was a prominent UK art historian who taught Art History for many years and was Emeritus Professor of History and Theory of Art at the Open University.

He was tutor in Art History, Open University, 1977-2005, Reader in Art History 1985-1994, Professor of the History & Theory of Art, 1994-2008, Professor Emeritus, 2008-2009; Visiting Professor, University of Chicago 1991 and 1996, Visiting Professor, University of Texas, 1997.

Reviews

[Martin Ridgway · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't claim to have read all of this but it was a good source for Open University related sources. It's arranged thematically, which makes it a lot easier to process than a chronological presentation.
I will get around to a (very selective) re-read at some point.

[Grab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This text provides a solid overview of principle texts relating to the major trends in thought within the period, as are all the other Art in Theory series. If looking to get a general impression of the tenor of thought of a stylistic development in art, I would recommend a selective peruse through this collection.

[Whit Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend by Professor Dana Martin, who has never misled me in scholarly matters. Art in Theory is a terrific series. Under editor Charles Harrison, it has become an essential guide for the serious student of art history as well as for the layperson.