Erwin Panofsky Highlights from Meaning in the Visual

Erwin Panofsky Highlights from Meaning in the Visual Arts and Studies in Iconology Presented by Maryann Shaw March 2, 2010

Erwin Panofsky (1892 – 1968) • Born in Hanover, Germany • Moved to New York 1935 • Iconographic approach to art • Interpreted works through ▫ Symbolism ▫ History ▫ Social factors

Meaning in the Visual Arts • Published in 1955 • Standard Reading for Students • Sections from other works ▫ The Life and Art of Albrecht Dürer ▫ Studies in Iconology

A Work of Art • Aesthetic Experience • Intention of Creator ▫ Environment ▫ Time/Era Bedroom in Arles – Vincent Van Gogh c. 1888 Oil on Canvas

Terms and Concepts The Pieta – Michelangelo c. 1499 Carved Marble • Iconography • Iconology • The Humanities ▫ Value ▫ Limitation • The Notion of Culture • Organic Situation

Analyzing Art • Art Connoisseur vs. Art Historian ▫ Emphasis and explicitness ▫ Aesthetic value ▫ Intention • Art Theory ▫ Subjectivity • Naïve Viewer Mona Lisa – Leonardo Da Vinci c. 1506 Oil on Poplar

Studies in Iconology • Published in 1939 • Discusses ▫ Themes in renaissance art ▫ Classical and medieval relations • Addresses 3 “layers” of art ▫ Primary subject matter ▫ Secondary subject matter ▫ Intrinsic Meaning

Primary Subject Matter • Natural Subject Matter ▫ Most basic understanding ▫ Perception of form • The 3 rd of May 1808 ▫ Row of men shooting ▫ Group of men being shot The 3 rd of May 1808 – Francisco Goya c. 1814 Oil on Canvas

Secondary Subject Matter The 3 rd of May 1808 – Francisco Goya c. 1814 Oil on Canvas • Conventional subject matter • Iconography • Cultural Knowledge • Environment • Historical happenings • The 3 rd of May 1808 • Knowledge of Spanish History

Intrinsic Meaning • Iconology • Content ▫ Artist’s personal history ▫ Technical Abilities ▫ Environment • The 3 rd of May 1808 ▫ Commemorate resistance ▫ Focal figure mimicking crucifixion The 3 rd of May 1808 – Francisco Goya c. 1814 Oil on Canvas

Reference • Panofsky, Erwin. (1982). Meaning in the visual arts. University Of Chicago Press. • Panofsky, Erwin. (1972). Studies in iconology. Westview Press. • Stokstad, Marilyn, Cateforis, David, & Addiss, Stephen. (2002). Art history. Prentice Hall.