
- 610 pages
- English
- PDF
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
A groundbreaking reevaluation of paleolithic art through the lens of modernism, from the acclaimed historian of art and architecture
In The Beginnings of Art, Sigfried Giedion, best known as a historian of architecture, shifts his attention to art and its very origins. Breaking with an earlier, materialistic approach, he explores paleolithic art by bringing abstraction, transparency, and simultaneity into play as modern art has revealed them anew. Focusing on the dual concepts of constancy and change, he examines paleolithic paintings, engravings, and sculpture, as well as modern art and recent examples of "primitive art." He argues that the two keys to the meaning of prehistoric art are the symbol, portraying reality before reality exists, and the animal as humankind's superior in the unified primordial world in which both human and animal were embedded. The result is a highly original and important study of prehistoric art.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Title
- Copyright
- Acknowledgments
- Contents
- Introduction
- Part I: Art a Fundamental Experience
- Part II: The Means of Expression in Primeval Art
- Part III: Symbolization
- Part IV: The Sacred Animal
- Part V: The Human Figure
- Part VI: The Space Conception of Prehistory
- The maps
- List of Illustrations
- List of Works Cited
- Index