On the Viewing Platform: The Panorama between Canvas and Screen

This book explores the legacy of the circular painted panorama, its impact on art, photography, film, and architecture, and its transformation of viewing modes. It features close readings of works from various periods and proposes an expansive framework for understanding the histories of art, film, and spectatorship.

Format: Hardback
Length: 324 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2020
Publisher: Yale University Press

This comprehensive volume explores the profound impact of the circular painted panorama on art, photography, film, and architecture. From its origins in the 18th century, the panorama emerged as a global mass-cultural phenomenon, often associated with an imperial worldview. However, it also revolutionized the way we perceive and experienced visual media, leaving a lasting influence on filmmaking techniques, museum displays, and contemporary installation art.

In "On the Viewing Platform," the authors offer insightful close readings of a diverse range of works, including proto-panoramic Renaissance cityscapes, 19th-century paintings and photographs, experimental films, and a wide array of contemporary art. Extensively researched and lavishly illustrated, this volume presents a novel framework for understanding the histories of art, film, and spectatorship.

The circular painted panorama emerged in the 18th century as a groundbreaking form of visual storytelling. It allowed viewers to immerse themselves in panoramic scenes, capturing a wide vista of landscapes, cities, or events. The technology was initially developed in Europe but quickly spread to other parts of the world, becoming a popular form of entertainment and education.

One of the most significant impacts of the panorama was its ability to transport viewers to distant places. It enabled them to experience exotic cultures, historical events, and natural wonders without leaving their homes. The panorama also played a role in shaping the imperial worldview, as it was often used to showcase the power and grandeur of European empires.

In the 19th century, the panorama continued to evolve and adapt to new technologies. The introduction of photography and film further enhanced the immersive experience of the panorama, allowing viewers to see more detail and motion than ever before. The panorama also influenced the development of cinema, as early filmmakers used techniques such as panning and zooming to mimic the effects of the panorama.

Today, the legacy of the panorama can be seen in a wide range of art forms. Artists continue to explore the panoramic format, using it to create immersive and interactive installations that blur the boundaries between reality and fiction. Photographers and filmmakers also use the panorama to create stunning visual effects and to capture the scale and grandeur of natural landscapes.

In conclusion, the circular painted panorama has had a profound and lasting impact on art, photography, film, and architecture. From its origins in the 18th century, the panorama has transformed the way we perceive and experience visual media, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists and audiences.

Weight: 1594g
Dimension: 328 x 295 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300184792