Neuroarthistory: Several Notes on Historical Sources
Neuroarthistory: Several Notes on Historical Sources

Summary/Abstract: In his proposal for a new methodological approach to the history of art, neuroarthistory, art historian John Onians based his argument in philosophy and art theory ranging fromAristotle to Leonardo, and from Reynolds to Zeki, and neuroaesthetics. However, he omittedfrom his overview the late Renaissance and Baroque traditions in which one can easily findwritings on human cognitive ability (on intellect, senses, and imagination) and its bearingson art. In this preliminary note, we point to several 16th-century humanists, such as GianfrancescoPico della Mirandola, Baldassare Castiglione, Benedetto Varchi, and artist and theoristFederico Zuccari, in whose treatments of human cognitive ability we find the application ofAristotelian tradition. Their writings further illuminate the rich and exciting insights into thenature, workings, and results of human cognition.

• Details
• Contents