Erwin Panofsky

Highlights from Meaning in the Visual Arts

and Studies in Iconology
 Erwin Panofsky
(1892 1968)

Born in Hanover,
Germany
Moved to New York 1935
Iconographic approach to
art
Interpreted works
through
Symbolism
History
Social factors
Meaning in the Visual Arts

Published in 1955
Standard Reading for
Students
Sections from other
works
The Life and Art of
Albrecht Drer
Studies in Iconology
 A Work of Art
Bedroom in Arles Vincent Van Gogh
c. 1888 Oil on Canvas
Aesthetic Experience
Intention of Creator
Environment
Time/Era
 Terms and Concepts
The Pieta Michelangelo
c. 1499 Carved Marble Iconography
Iconology
The Humanities
Value
Limitation
The Notion of Culture
Organic Situation
 Analyzing Art
Mona Lisa Leonardo Da Vinci

Art Connoisseur vs. c. 1506 Oil on Poplar

Art Historian
Emphasis and
explicitness
Aesthetic value
Intention
Art Theory
Subjectivity
Nave Viewer
Studies in Iconology
Published in 1939
Discusses
Themes in renaissance
art
Classical and medieval
relations
Addresses 3 layers of art
Primary subject matter
Secondary subject matter
Intrinsic Meaning
 Primary Subject Matter
The 3rd of May 1808 Francisco Goya
Natural Subject c. 1814 Oil on Canvas
Matter
Most basic
understanding
Perception of form
The 3rd of May 1808
Row of men shooting
Group of men being
shot
 Secondary Subject Matter
The 3rd of May 1808 Francisco Goya
c. 1814 Oil on Canvas
Conventional subject
matter
Iconography
Cultural Knowledge
Environment
Historical happenings
The 3rd of May 1808
Knowledge of Spanish
History
 Intrinsic Meaning
The 3rd of May 1808 Francisco Goya
Iconology c. 1814 Oil on Canvas
Content
Artists personal history
Technical Abilities
Environment
The 3rd of May 1808
Commemorate resistance
Focal figure mimicking
crucifixion