Abstract


 
 
 Alois Riegl’s essay “Die Stimmung als Inhalt der modernen Kunst” (1899) has been one of art historiography’s early attempts to bridge art and science. In this text, Riegl not only presents the background of some of his theoretical and methodological premises but he also provides an overarching argument for the way natural sciences af- fect modern spectatorship. In this way, he establishes the basis of a Kunstwollen for the ‘age of the natural sciences’ and describes its appropriate artistic traits. Addressing the intellectual and historical context of the Stimmung Essay, this article shows how Riegl’s ideas work in a subtle and intricate manner, involving the combination of sensual and phenomenological observations to modes of knowl- edge. In this respect, the relation of art and science does not seem to be settled on a fixed contemplative basis but on the combination of the art with cognition and affects.
 
 

Highlights

  • Alois Riegl’s essay “Die Stimmung als Inhalt der modernen Kunst” (1899) has been one of art historiography’s early attempts to bridge art and science

  • Riegl presents the background of some of his theoretical and methodological premises but he provides an overarching argument for the way natural sciences affect modern spectatorship

  • Riegl explains that as the observer overlooks the whole, what he discerns is an antithetical schema. Because he sees signs everywhere that attest to “restless life, endless power and incessant movement,” the very ability to encompass all of this generates in the observer a feeling of “unifying calmness.”[8]. According to Riegl, this antithesis bears testimony to the moral constitution of the modern spectatorship: What the soul of the modern man consciously or unconsciously longs for is the very thing that is fulfilled in this lonely observer in that mountain peak

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Alois Riegl’s essay “Die Stimmung als Inhalt der modernen Kunst” (1899) has been one of art historiography’s early attempts to bridge art and science.

Results
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.