Iconoclasm from Antiquity to Modernity - Tapa dura

'These essays ask readers to reconsider their pre-existing assumptions about ideologically-motivated attacks on images and to see similarities between various iconoclasms in different times and places, from the early Christian destruction of pagan images to the Taliban's destruction of the giant Buddhas in Barniyan province in Afghanistan in 2001. Every essay offers it own, nuanced definition of iconoclasm...' The Art Newspaper 'Iconoclasm from Antiquity to Modernity is accessible to a wide range of academic backgrounds and its broad scope invites readers to make critical comparisons. The publication complements existing literature and its focus on pre-Reformation case studies offers a particularly valuable contribution to the expanding historiography of iconoclasm.' Journal of Art Historiography 'Iconoclasm from Antiquity to Modernity contains some papers of genuine originality and substance.' Art and Christianity 'Reflecting on the volume as a whole, the great strength is its presentation of iconoclasm throughout history. All of the essays take great care in showing the historical and political factors involved in each outbreak of violence against images ... Overall, the work deserves a broad audience since it raises important issues for a modern world saturated by digital images.' Heythrop 'The book is to be commended for bringing together such a diverse range of themes and periods, and offers a useful opportunity for readers to engage with the methodologies and debates beyond their individual disciplines. As such, it is an important contribution to establishing the study of iconoclasm as an avenue of historical inquiry for scholars of all regions and periods.' Catholic Historical Review

The phenomenon of iconoclasm, expressed through hostile actions towards images, has occurred in many different cultures throughout history. The destruction and mutilation of images is often motivated by a blend of political and religious ideas and beliefs, and the distinction between various kinds of ’iconoclasms’ is not absolute. In order to explore further the long and varied history of iconoclasm the contributors to this volume consider iconoclastic reactions to various types of objects, both in the very recent and distant past. The majority focus on historical periods but also on history as a backdrop for image troubles of our own day. Development over time is a central question in the volume, and cross-cultural influences are also taken into consideration. This broad approach provides a useful comparative perspective both on earlier controversies over images and relevant issues today. In the multimedia era increased awareness of the possible consequences of the use of images is of utmost importance. ’Iconoclasm from Antiquity to Modernity’ approaches some of the problems related to the display of particular kinds of images in conflicted societies and the power to decide on the use of visual means of expression. It provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the phenomenon of iconoclasm. Of interest to a wide group of scholars the contributors draw upon various sources and disciplines, including art history, cultural history, religion and archaeology, as well as making use of recent research from within social and political sciences and contemporary events. Whilst the texts are addressed primarily to those researching the Western world, the volume contains material which will also be of interest to students of the Middle East.