Essay on Marxism as a Method of Art History

The nineteenth century was significant in Europe because it spawned or brought to the forefront revolutionary new forms of culture and theology. Among these movements were feminism, Marxism, the romantic period of music, and the impressionist period of art. Marxism has been critically acclaimed for its adherence to the popular utopian traditions of past ages and its determination to exterminate the inequities of the feudal class system. Marxism was a nineteenth century behemoth, its shadow influencing not only social and political thought but also provoking minds around the world. Critics of ideology’s influence on art harangue the latter as a restrictive form of interpretation, one whose hold over art’s beholder evokes themes that override those intended by the artist. However, art created in the impressionist period was created on the basis of the artist’s perception, and if no one can recall exactly what the artist intended, then using ideologies of the time remains a logical basis of interpretation. Marxism promotes the involvement of all aspects of society in its ideology. However, when used as an exclusive method of art, Marxism can be quickly dismissed as stringent and a useless art method.

In his Theory and Philosophy of Art, Meyer Schapiro contends that ideology constricts the freedom of artistic expression. Schapiro insists that philosophers using ideologies in artistic interpretation forgo the artist’s rendering and draw their own conclusions, therein ignoring the prevailing themes and purposes behind the artist’s creation. Through intense speculation of an object, the philosopher has [deceived] himself in assertions which are not sustained by the picture itself but rather in his own social outlook (Schapiro 1994, p. 134). For example, Japanese aesthetics value the imperfect, almost deifying the worn and blemished. A rusty spade in a tool shed would be perceived by classical Japanese aesthetics as beautiful because …

Tags: 19th century, Art Hist, artist, communist, Eisenman, History, humanity, Marxism, Monet, painting, Schapiro, society, Van Gogh

Login or Register:

Login or register and get access to hundreds of essays FOR FREE.

Either click here to register, or use the form below to login...