Idols & Rivals: Artistic Competition in Antiquity and the Early Modern Era

Competition was a driving force in the early modern period, but art was seen as a free space where something unique emerged. The competitive habitus of imitation, competition, and surpassing led to cultural progress, but also revealed envy, intrigue, and slander.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: Hatje Cantz

Competition is a powerful force that shapes our world, transforming challenges into opportunities and contests into driving forces of innovation and progress. In the realm of art, however, a unique space emerges where creativity thrives free from the constraints of the art market. This exception to the rule becomes evident when we examine the early modern period, where the principle of competition held significant sway over artistic endeavors. The competitive habitus of imitation, competition, and surpassing, known as imitatio, aemulatio, and superatio, was believed to foster cultural advancement. Even Leonardo recognized the positive impact of "good envy," which spurred high performance. It is within this competitive context that some of the most renowned works of the Renaissance and Baroque periods emerged. Artists in early modern Europe engaged in fierce battles, both with their contemporaries and with the timeless models of antiquity, pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship. This magnificent catalog showcases not only mutual inspiration and cooperation but also sheds light on the darker side of competition for prestigious commissions. Envy, intrigue, and slander played their role in shaping the artistic landscape, adding depth and complexity to the narrative of artistic evolution.

Weight: 1580g
Dimension: 280 x 240 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783775753999