The Art Museum in the 19th Century. J. J. Winckelmann’s Influence on the Establishing of the Classical Paradigm of the Art Museum

The essay discusses the German philologist, archaeologist and historian J.J. Winckelmann’s theoretical influence on the conception of the Classical museum model as defined and established by the Louvre within the nineteenth-century in Paris. From its initiation, the Louvre would furnish an example for the Metropolitan and for scores of galleries around the world to replicate. This would include the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the National Archaeological Museum of Athens and the Ancient Iran Museum in Tehran. Winckelmann’s historicism would encourage the implementation of new ideas and practices related to the meaning and connoisseurship of art and aesthetics in Western Europe within nineteenth-century gallery systems as they began to develop new practices for displaying art in which the singling out of specific cultures within an historic hierarchical context would become prominent. The essay discusses how Winckelmann’s ideas would inspire a curatorial system and condition of representation of art for the Louvre as the Classical museum paradigm established in the nineteenth-century.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• The Art Museum in the 19th Century
• J. J. Winckelmann's Influence on the Establishing of the Classical Paradigm of the Art Museum
• Winckelmann's 'Life-Cycle' Theory
• The Louvre

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay explores the influence of German philologist, archaeologist, and historian J.J. Winckelmann's theoretical ideas on the development of the Classical museum model as exemplified by the Louvre in the nineteenth century. It examines how Winckelmann's historicism, his focus on the beauty of ancient Greek civilization, and his hierarchical classification of art inspired the Louvre's curatorial system and influenced the evolution of art museum models worldwide.

• The impact of Winckelmann's theories on the development of the art museum
• The role of the Louvre as the prototype for the Classical museum model
• Winckelmann's concept of a "life-cycle" theory and its influence on curatorial practices
• The hierarchical classification of art based on historical periods and styles
• The Louvre's construction of its narratives of legitimacy through its exhibition space

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• The first part of the essay examines Winckelmann's contributions to art history and his "Life-Cycle" theory, which categorized ancient art into four periods based on style.
• The second part focuses on how Winckelmann's ideas influenced the development of the art museum, particularly the Louvre, which became the model for many other galleries around the world.
• The third part delves into the curatorial practices of the Louvre, highlighting its focus on classical antiquity and its hierarchical display of artworks, reflecting Winckelmann's concept of the rise and fall of artistic periods.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Key themes and concepts explored in this essay include J.J. Winckelmann, Classical museum model, Louvre, curatorial practices, historicism, hierarchical classification, art history, period styles, life-cycle theory, neo-classicism, Western culture, and the influence of ancient Greek civilization.

Details

• Author: PhD, BA Hons. Cyrus Manasseh (Author)
• Publication Year: 2008
• Pages: 14
• Catalog Number: V426711
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668711815
• ISBN (Book): 9783668711822
• Language: English
• Tags: Art Museums Curatorship History Philosophy