The Aesthetics of Caprice: In the Circle of Visualization
The Aesthetics of Caprice: In the Circle of Visualization

Summary/Abstract: Caprice or capriccio is analysed as an aesthetic category, in a perspective of non-linear continuity of cultural phenomena (the concepts of Warburg, Panofsky and Didi-Huberman are evoked). Indicated are directions of caprice visualisation among which figurative and landscape representations are dominant. The history of caprice as a painting genre illustrates the intriguing complexity of aesthetic awareness extending to extremely differing representations, stylistic modes and meanings. Iconic as well as literary narrations of caprice while accompanying the modern “aesthetic of lightness” from the Renaissance to surrealists, from Vasari to Simmel – highlight the movement of metamorphosis, the will to transgress, the frenzy of freedom and the magic of coincidence.

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