On Meaning Hermeneutics and Semiotics.pptx

Introduction to Hermeneutics and Semiotics for art history methodology seminar

1. Class Goals: articulate semiotic theories consider a few semiotic approaches to art history define hermeneutics and consider the limits of interpretation/overinterpretation define allegory and consider its contemporary relevance and how we make meaning from allegories connect Iconography/Iconology, Semiotics, and Hermeneutics conceptually, as approaches to interpretation in art history René Magritte, The Treachery of Images , 1929

2. S-N-O-O-P-Y It is... possible to conceive of a science which studies the role of signs as part of social life . It would form part of social psychology, and hence of general psychology. We shall call it semiology (from the Greek semeîon , 'sign'). It would investigate the nature of signs and the laws governing them. Since it does not yet exist, one cannot say for certain that it will exist. But it has a right to exist, a place ready for it in advance. Linguistics is only one branch of this general science. The laws which semiology will discover will be laws applicable in linguistics, and linguistics will thus be assigned to a clearly defined place in the field of human knowledge. -- Ferdinand de Saussure

3. S-N-O-O-P-Y

4. Saussure Charles Sanders Peirce

5. Photograph & Film What kinds of insights may be generated for art historians by these categories of signs?

6. Tom Friedman, 11 x 22 x .005 , 1992 Tom Friedman, Untitled (Curse) , 1992

7. Claude Monet, Impression, Sunrise , 1874 “Semiotic analysis of visual art does not set out in the first place to produce interpretations of works of art, but rather to investigate how works of art are intelligible to those who view them…” Laurie Schneider Adams

8. How does the concept of “code” insist we interpret these paintings differently? that they “mean” differently?

9. Agnolo Bronzino, Allegory with Venus and Cupid, ca. 1545 What are the limits of semiosis and “semiotic drift”?

10. How is “framing” relevant to the signification of these two images?

11. Who is addressed here? What is the deixis of the text?

12.  Art & Language (Terry Atkinson, born 1939; Michael Baldwin) Map to Not Indicate, 1967 What are the “problems” (problematics) of word & image for art historians? For artists?

13. Frank Stella, The Marriage of Reason and Squalor, II , 1959. Enamel on canvas; 7' 6 3/4" x 11' 3/4“. MoMA

14. Leonardo, Mona Lisa , 1503

15. “Ella a chaud cul”

16. David Smith, Wagon I, 1963-4. Steel, painted; h. 88 ½” . National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa.

17. Andy Warhol, Brillo Soap Pads Box , 1964, silkscreen ink on synthetic polymer paint on wood, 17 x 17 x 14 in.

18. Giotto, Nativity, Arena Chapel, c. 1305 (finished by 1310), Padua, Italy Luke 2: 1 - In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  2  (This was the first census that took place while [ a ]  Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  3  And everyone went to their own town to register. 4  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  5  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  6  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  7  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8  And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  9  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  10  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  11  Today in the town of David a Saviorhas been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  12  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15  When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  understanding vs. explanation ”The work of art is one with the history of its effects.” Hans George Gadamer

19. 1927

20. interpretation as dialogue “hermeneutic circle” “horizons of meaning” Scott H. Young, illustration Harriet Powers, Bible Quilt , 1885-1886

21. Paul Cezanne, Great Bathers , 1898-1905. Pablo Picasso, Les Demoiselles d’Avignon , 1907. Oil on canvas; 8’ x 7’ 8”.