Educating the view: a conceptualization of allegory in J. J. Winckelmann

• Grant number: 24/17304-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Philosophy
• Principal Investigator: Pedro Fernandes Galé
• Grantee: Leonardo Henrique de Souza Luciano
• Host Institution: Centro de Educação e Ciências Humanas (CECH). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In this research paper we seek to analyze the conceptualization of Allegory in the works of J. J. Winckelmann (1717-1767), with the main scope being two of his texts where it is treated with special attention: Gedanken über die Nachahmung der griechischen Werke in der Malerei und Bildhauerkunst (Thoughts on the imitation of Greek works in painting and sculpture), from 1755, and Versuch einer Allegorie, besonders für die Kunst (Essay on an allegory especially for the arts), from 1766. To this end, we will present the meanings of this notion, highlighting how they are related and different in these writings. We argue that it is necessary to consider allegorical processes as an attempt to symbolize concepts such as Grace and Beauty, based on an education of sensibility that has allegory as its method of apprehending and reproducing artistic ideals, giving the senses the possibility of contemplating beauty or grace, as examples. It is a method of symbolization, since Winckelmann predates the late 18th century romantic distinction between allegory and symbol. By giving allegory a leading role in our research, we will investigate one of the foundations of Winckelmann's aesthetic thought.