History on art's side: social dynamics in artistic efflorescences

Abstract

A theory of social forces that affect creativity in the visual arts.

Contents

On studying artistic creativity -- Social dynamics: Economic-action cycles -- Political-action cycles -- Ideological-action cycles -- Communal-action cycles -- Psychohistorical dynamics: Achievement-motivation cycles -- Culture-mentality cycles -- Sex norms, emotionality, and artistic creativity -- A General Theory: The phase-cycle theory of artistic creativity -- Some social functions of artistic values -- Speculations on the excellence of forms.