Gay and Lesbian Studies in Art History (Research on Homosexuality) [Paperback]

Whitney Davis (Author)

Book Description

Series: Research on Homosexuality | Publication Date: October 21, 1994

Find original research and interpretive studies of the relations between homosexuality and the visual arts. Evidence for the role of homosexuality in artistic creation has often not survived, in part because the direct expression of homosexuality has often been condemned in Western societies. Gay and Lesbian Studies in Art History presents examples of contemporary art historical research on homoeroticism and homosexuality in the visual arts (chiefly painting and sculpture) of the Western tradition from the ancient to the modern periods. Chapters explore the dynamic interrelation of sexuality and visual art and emphasize problems of historical evidence and interpretation and the need to reconstruct social and cultural realities sometimes quite different from our own.

Gay and Lesbian Studies in Art History addresses contemporary art historians’interest in studying sexuality in the visual arts, examining such questions as: What are some of the present-day reasons for, and problems of, this research? How is it related to other research areas within art history and to wider public debates about the meaning, value, and propriety of works of art? While the book examines a variety of research problems and theoretical perspectives, most chapters focus on the historical interpretation of a particular work of art, artist, or visual convention. Chapters present new documentation of the importance of homosexuality in the production and reception of artworks in the Western tradition, develop models for approaching the question of how sexuality and visual creation are related, and explore researchers’experiences and obligations in working in the area of gay and lesbian studies in art history today.

Contributing authors stress problems of historical evidence and reconstruction; the social and cultural construction of homosexuality; and the active role of visual conventions in shaping perceptions of homosexuals, homosexuality, and homosexual desire. They discuss both the biography of artists and the significance of individual works of art and the social reception and circulation of works of art in the context of wider religious, legal, medical, political, and economic relations. The book may revise readers’beliefs about the significance and value of a number of works of art hitherto forgotten, neglected, under-appreciated, or misinterpreted. Gay and Lesbian Studies in Art History is an enlightening and informative book for art historians, museum professionals, scholars in the field of lesbian and gay studies, and art history students and professors.

Product Details

• Paperback: 326 pages
• Publisher: Haworth Press; 1st edition (October 21, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560230541
• ISBN-13: 978-1560230540
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,796,905 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Only a beginning, November 3, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Gay and Lesbian Studies in Art History (Research on Homosexuality) (Paperback)

While I agree with the previous review in regard to Davis' essay (and his other work as well), I do think the collection as a whole is a valuable addition to any art historian's library. While the essays vary wildly in quality of writing and scholarship, the overall effect of even a brief skimming gave me a sense for the numerous and distinct methodolgies currently being used in gay and lesbian studies.

I would emphasize something that Davis himself concedes in the introduction: this collection is prelimary and is NOT meant to at all be definitive or complete. It simply presents some of the best and boldest work being done in the then (1994) relatively new field of gay and lesbian studies as applied to art history.

As for Davis, I do think his essay is unnecessarily aloof and difficult. In short, it is an entirely unpleasant bit of intellectual muscle-flexing. Unlike the previous reviewer, I do believe Davis has volumes of worthy ideas to contribute (including in this essay). He should remember, then, that his job as a historian (and teacher) is not to impress but to communicate.

That said, the reader should pay closest attention to Michael Camille's wonderful essay on "gay inconograpy" followed by stellar contributions from Christopher Reed, Jonathan Weinberg, and Ann Gibson.

Particularly for those art historians (gay or straight) trying to resolve issues of subjectivity in their work, this collection can provide a liberating example of scholars who have put down the sword and shield, interjecting their hearts (as well as their intellects) without apology.

And I would even say that Davis' essay on Winkelmann, however poorly worded, is groundbreaking in its suggestion that art history itself is a discipline conceived out of a homoerotic passion for the beautiful.

1 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars english please, October 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Gay and Lesbian Studies in Art History (Research on Homosexuality) (Paperback)

I am a south african student with english distinctions who was prescribed this book for a class in gender studies. I would appreciate it if the author could rewrite the book in understandable english. It seems to me as though Mr Davis has said absolutely nothing worth reading in as many confusing and complicated words as possible.