Art and beauty in the Middle Ages

Abstract

In this authoritative, lively book, the celebrated Italian novelist and philosopher Umberto Eco presents a learned summary of medieval aesthetic ideas. Juxtaposing theology and science, poetry and mysticism, Eco explores the relationship that existed between the aesthetic theories and the artistic experience and practice of medieval culture. -- Publisher's website.

Contents

The medieval aesthetic sensibility -- Transcendental beauty -- The aesthetics of proportion -- The aesthetics of light -- Symbol and allegory -- Aesthetic perception -- The aesthetics of the organism -- Development and decline of the aesthetics of the organism -- Theories of art -- Inspiration and the status of art -- Conclusion.