The Myth and Identity of the Romantic Artist in European Literature: A Self-Constructed Fantasy

This study explores the artistic identity and the myth of the artist in the Romantic tradition, investigating the aesthetic value of identity and the ways it creates dominant narratives of self-perception. It analyzes various typologies of the artist, mythmaking strategies, and postural techniques, examining how they have sketched major fictional self-portraits in the European tradition.

Format: Hardback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate realm of artistic identity and the pervasive myth of the artist, intricately crafted by the artists themselves. While the term "artist" encompasses a broad spectrum, this study specifically focuses on the rich literature of the Romantic tradition. Identity, widely perceived as a construct, forms the central thesis of this book, exploring its aesthetic significance and the ways it shapes dominant narratives of self-perception, ultimately creating powerful myths.

The foundation of the artists identity, whether collective or individual, lies in a complex interplay of aesthetic practices. Positioned between the idealized portrayal of poetic genius and its societal devaluation, the Romantic artist embarks on a quest to establish a unique place for himself, engaging in his own mythmaking process. This interdisciplinary study examines texts and writers from diverse traditions, employing a multifaceted approach to analyze various typologies of the artist, diverse mythmaking strategies, and various postural techniques. Through this comprehensive analysis, the study unveils the profound fictional self-portraits that have been etched into the fabric of European art throughout history.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367759360