Disability and Art History from Antiquity to the Twenty-First Century

This book explores representations of disability in art from antiquity to the twenty-first century, incorporating disability studies scholarship and art historical research. It is divided into four parts and includes 16 chapters on Greek sculpture, ancient Chinese art, Early Italian Renaissance art, Spanish Golden Age, nineteenth-century art in France and the US, and contemporary works. It is essential reading for scholars and students of disability studies, art history, sociology, medical humanities, and media arts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the rich tapestry of representations of disability in art, spanning from antiquity to the twenty-first century. By integrating disability studies scholarship and art historical research, it offers a holistic analysis of the intricate intersections between these two fields. The book is structured into four compelling parts, each exploring distinct periods and themes.

Part I: Ancient History through the 17th Century explores the portrayal of disability in ancient civilizations, including depictions of gods, dwarfs, and warriors. It sheds light on the historical perceptions and understandings of disability within these societies.

Part II: 17th-Century Spain to the American Civil War delves into the artistic representations of individuals considered misfits, wounded bodies, and medical specimens during this period. It examines how artists responded to the social and medical challenges of disability and the ways in which they shaped cultural attitudes toward it.

Part III: Modernism, Metaphor, and Corporeality explores the ways in which disability has been represented and interpreted in modern art. It examines the emergence of artistic movements such as surrealism and expressionism, as well as the use of metaphor and symbolism to convey the experiences of disabled individuals.

Part IV: Contemporary Art: Crips, Care, and Portraiture focuses on the representation of disability in contemporary art. It explores the works of artists who challenge traditional notions of disability and explore new ways of representing and understanding the experiences of disabled people.

The book is meticulously researched and written, featuring 16 chapters that cover a wide range of artistic periods and styles. Each chapter contextualizes understandings of disability historically, as well as in terms of medicine, literature, and visual culture. This multidisciplinary approach provides a rich and nuanced perspective on the evolution of representations of disability throughout history.

This book is an essential resource for scholars and students of disability studies, art history, sociology, medical humanities, and media arts. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of disability representation in art. By exploring the historical, cultural, and artistic dimensions of disability, it contributes to our broader understanding of the human experience and the societal challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

Weight: 504g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367500450