Document detail
Idols and rivals : artistic competition in antiquity and the early modern era
Abstract
Today, our main associations with the terms "contest", "competion", and "rivalry" come from econimics, sports, the theory of evolution, architecture, or various TV contest. In the early modern era, however, the competitive principle proved a decisive element of art production.
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It was generally held that the competitive habit of imitating, emulating, and suprassing others (imitatio, aemulatio, and superatio) led to progress. As was so often the case, classical antiquity functioned as a reference point. Soe of the best-known Renaissance and Baroque works are the result of early modern European artists vying either with each other or with revered long-dead masters. At times,, however, competing for a prestigious commission resulted in an aggressive climate that revealed the dark side if this rivalry - such as jealousy among artists complete intrigues, blows, and calumnies.[Fonte: quarta di cop.]