Analysis of Erwin Panofsky's Meaning in the Visual Arts
Erwin Panofsky’s Meaning in the Visual Arts is considered a key work in art history. Its ideas have provoked widespread debate, and although it was first published more than sixty years ago, it continues to feature regularly on numerous university reading lists.
Meaning in the Visual Arts comprises nine essays. In these, Panofsky argues for the independence of iconology as a branch of history. He moves on to demonstrate the anatomy of art and its study, as well as the controlling principles of interpretation. He then deals with the theories of human proportions, Gothic architecture, and the Northern Renaissance. Finally, Panofsky discusses his own American experiences.
Emmanouil Kalkanis was awarded his PhD by the University of Durham for a thesis on visual culture, the reception of art, and the history of collecting. He holds an MA in Museum Studies from Reinwardt Academy, Amsterdam, and has published on the reception of classical art by early-modern artistic practice, including the history of the reception of the iconography of the well-known Meidias hydria. He is currently working for the Greek Ministry of Culture, involved in an excavation project in western Greece, including archeological research, data collecting and object documentation.