Hans Hess Sweatshirt: History Cannot be Illustrated by Pictures

In his lecture on the art of the French Revolution, Hess stresses that works of art cannot be solely viewed as illustrations for the study of history, even if they directly or indirectly reflect the actual events of their time. Art is very much part of the history of the time, but Hess says it is a metaphor rather than a factual representation. A work of art is a language in itself and can give us an idea of the intentions of the artist, and of the people around them in that particular period, but it is not a historical, objective truth. For Hess, studying history can help finding ‘the metaphorical meaning’ of a work of art, but reciprocally the artwork can be viewed as ‘a contemporary statement’, giving us information on the people of that period, and their world – let it be the artist, the subject of the artwork, or the people it is intended for. He writes that what we call ‘history pictures’ do not actually depict history, or historical events and people, but legends – that was their purpose.

The texts gathered in Hans Hess: Selected Writings are tools for thinking about and questioning art, the artist, art history, and ideology. Expanding on the writings of Marx, Hess discusses the evolving role and status of the artist. Art and the artist have always played an important ideological role in society – and in the class struggle. A work of art cannot be understood if taken out of its social and ideological context. Art has always been an instrument of power, especially for the ruling ideology. The first volume focuses on art in the 19th century.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
100% Cotton
Classic width, rib collar
Taped neck and shoulders
Classic fit