Aby WarburgDer Bilderatlas Mnemosyne - Kommentar (German edition)

The Mnemosyne Atlas, a volume of plates by Aby Warburg, is a visual reference system that was ahead of its time. Roberto Ohrt and Axel Heil have found all of the individual pictures and displayed them in the same way as Warburg himself showed them. This folio volume and exhibition in Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin succeed in restoring Warburg's vanished legacy, which researchers have long considered impossible.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Hatje Cantz

The Mnemosyne Atlas, a remarkable volume of plates created by the Hamburg-based art and cultural scholar Aby Warburg between 1925 and his passing in 1929, has assumed a legendary status in the study of modern art and visual studies. Through this project, Warburg envisioned and developed a groundbreaking visual reference system that was decades ahead of its time. Now, Roberto Ohrt and Axel Heil have taken on the formidable task of locating and reproducing all the individual pictures from the atlas, showcasing them in the same manner as Warburg originally presented them—on panels adorned with black fabric.

This folio volume and the exhibition held at Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin achieve a remarkable feat: they successfully restore Warburg's vanished legacy, a task that researchers had long deemed impossible. The Mnemosyne Atlas stands as a testament to Warburg's profound insights and artistic vision, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human culture and history.

Warburg's dedication to his project was unwavering, as he meticulously collected and organized a vast array of images from various sources, including Middle Eastern art, European antiquity, and the Renaissance. His innovative approach to visual representation and his ability to connect seemingly disparate elements created a unique and captivating narrative that has resonated with generations of scholars and art enthusiasts.

The restoration of the Mnemosyne Atlas and the exhibition in Haus der Kulturen der Welt serve as a testament to the enduring power of art and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. By bringing Warburg's vision to life once again, these efforts ensure that his legacy continues to inspire and inform future generations. The Mnemosyne Atlas remains a cornerstone of modern art and visual studies, offering a profound exploration of human creativity and cultural diversity.

ISBN-13: 9783775746946