Overview

The Ends of Art Studies explores the goals and limitations of fin de siècle art studies (Kunstwissenschaft) as a field, and aims to contribute to future academic research. It is structured around several representative art scientists and their key texts, exploring the theories of influential figures in the field, such as Erwin Panofsky and Aby Warburg. This approach allows the book to present the universal construction goals, theoretical sources, thinking logic and academic dilemmas of art history in an interdisciplinary context at that time.

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9781917458078

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Reviews

‘One of the greatest challenges of art has always been its dual nature: simultaneously historical product and (contemporary) aesthetic phenomenon. This tension – between the historical study of individual artworks and the philosophical inquiry into the essence and developmental laws of art as a whole – emerged as a central concern of German-speaking art history around 1900. Under the term ‘Kunstwissenschaft’, scholars sought to determine whether and how art history could constitute a ‘genuine’, independent science by addressing these questions. Fan Baiding offers a brilliant analysis of these dazzling debates, tracing them from Alois Riegl and Julius von Schlosser to Aby Warburg and Erwin Panofsky.’ Professor Ulrich Pfisterer, Director of the Central Institute of Art History, Munich ‘A unique contribution to world art scholarship that offers an alternative perspective on European historiography in art from a Chinese viewpoint.’ Professor Cao Yiqiang, Senior Professor, China Academy of Art ‘Professor Fan Baiding’s book is a landmark exploration of the intellectual foundations and evolving frontiers of art historiography. The Ends of Art Studies offers a rigorous, cross-disciplinary, and incisive account of how conceptions of time, experience, and disciplinary boundaries have shaped the study of art.’ Professor Maurizio Marinelli, Professor of China and Global Prosperity, The Bartlett, University College London

""Professor Fan Baiding's book is a landmark exploration of the intellectual foundations and evolving frontiers of art historiography. The Ends of Art Studies offers a rigorous, cross-disciplinary, and incisive account of how conceptions of time, experience, and disciplinary boundaries have shaped the study of art."" Professor Maurizio Marinelli, Professor of China and Global Prosperity, The Bartlett, University College London ""A unique contribution to world art scholarship that offers an alternative perspective on European historiography in art from a Chinese viewpoint."" Professor Cao Yiqiang, Senior Professor, China Academy of Art

Author Information

Professor Fan Baiding is the dean of the Advanced School of Art and Humanities, China Academy of Art. His research covers issues related to art historiography, art theory and iconographic tradition.

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