The goal of this project is to demarcate the parameters of grazia und terribilità as a basic pattern for conceptions of the artist still common today in art literature and in artists¿ (self-)portraits between ca. 1500 and ca. 1800. The field of tension between poverty and violence will be explained in its functions and effects as a typical phenomenon of the heroic. Moreover, a consideration of the many followers of exceptional artists will enable a more precise description of charismatization processes within the frame of reference of artists, art writers, and patrons. An area of emphasis will be works of the early modern period in which artists stylize themselves as the youthful hero David.
DFG Programme
Collaborative Research Centres
