Quatremere de Quincy's Moral Considerations on the Place and Purpose of Works of Art: Introduction and Translation

Antoine Chrysostome Quatremère de Quincy (1755-1849) was a key Neoclassical art historian, but his works lack translations, making him less appreciated. His polemic against public museums was aimed at the imperialist and secularist curatorial purposes of Parisian museums in the age of Revolution, maintaining the centrality of religion and incarnation to the fine arts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 19 July 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Antoine Chrysostome Quatremère de Quincy (1755-1849) emerged as the preeminent Neoclassical art historian in the succeeding generation after Johann Joachim Winckelmann (1717-1768). However, the full significance of his contributions has become increasingly challenging to comprehend, partly due to the limited availability of translations of his extensive body of work. While three of his books were translated into English during the 19th century, only one has been translated into English in the 21st century.

Quatremère's magnum opus, "The Moral Considerations," has long been regarded as the most devastating critique of public museums ever penned. However, it is crucial to recognize that his argument was directed not against museums in themselves but rather against the imperialist and secularist curatorial objectives of Parisian museums during the revolutionary era. Quatremère's unwavering commitment to Neoclassical ideals upheld the centrality of religion and incarnation in understanding the place and purpose of the fine arts.

In his writings, Quatremère meticulously examined the historical development of art and its relationship to society. He emphasized the importance of studying art within its cultural and historical context, rejecting the notion of art as a purely aesthetic pursuit. He also critiqued the tendency of some museums to prioritize the display of works of art based on their market value or popularity, rather than their artistic merit or historical significance.

Quatremère's ideas had a profound impact on the development of art history and museum practices. His emphasis on the religious and moral dimensions of art influenced subsequent generations of art historians and curators, who sought to incorporate these aspects into their interpretations and presentations. His critique of the secularization of museums and the prioritization of commercial interests also contributed to the growing movement for the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage.

Despite the challenges posed by the lack of translations and the changing landscape of art history, Quatremère's legacy continues to be felt today. His writings remain a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, offering insights into the rich history and cultural significance of the fine arts. His commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage and his defense of the religious and moral dimensions of art remain an important reminder of the importance of preserving our shared cultural heritage for future generations.

Weight: 399g
Dimension: 227 x 163 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793642196