The Dark Side of Genius: The Melancholic Persona in Art, Ca. 1500-1700

by Laurinda S. Dixon

Book Overview

In The Dark Side of Genius, Laurinda Dixon examines "melancholia" as a philosophical, medical, and social phenomenon in early modern art. Once considered to have a physical and psychic disorder, the melancholic combined positive aspects of genius and breeding with the negative qualities of depression and obsession. By focusing on four exemplary archetypes--the hermit, lover, scholar, and artist--this study reveals that, despite advances...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0271059362
• ISBN13: 9780271059365
• Release Date: May 2015
• Publisher: Penn State University Press
• Length: 264 Pages
• Weight: 2.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.9" x 9.8"