Continuity and Change in Art

Download or read book Continuity and Change in Art written by Sidney J. Blatt and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2014-04-04 with total page 432 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The representation of the form of objects and of space in painting, from paleolithic through contemporary time, has become increasingly integrated, complex, and abstract. Based on a synthesis of concepts drawn from the theories of Piaget and Freud, this book demonstrates that modes of representation in art evolve in a natural developmental order and are expressions of the predominant mode of thought in their particular cultural epoch. They reflect important features of the social order and are expressed in other intellectual endeavors as well, especially in concepts of science. A fascinating evaluation of the development of cognitive processes and the formal properties of art, this work should appeal to professionals and graduate students in developmental, cognitive, aesthetic, personality, and clinical psychology; to psychoanalysts interested in developmental theory; and to anyone interested in cultural history -- especially the history of art and the history of science.