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Iconoclasm: A History of the Destruction of Images

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David Freedberg's Iconoclasm: A History of the Destruction of Images is a comprehensive and fascinating study of the history of the destruction of images from antiquity to the present day. Freedberg examines the religious, political, and cultural factors that have motivated people to destroy images throughout history, and he offers a nuanced and insightful analysis of the phenomenon of iconoclasm.

Iconoclasm

by David Freedberg

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5055 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	368 pages
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Iconoclasm in Antiquity

Freedberg begins his study with a look at iconoclasm in antiquity. He notes that the destruction of images was a common practice in many ancient cultures, and he argues that this was due in part to the belief that images were powerful objects that could be used to manipulate the divine. For example, the ancient Greeks and Romans often destroyed the images of their enemies in Free Download to weaken them in battle. Similarly, the early Christians often destroyed the images of pagan gods in Free Download to convert people to Christianity.

Iconoclasm in the Middle Ages

Freedberg then turns his attention to iconoclasm in the Middle Ages. He notes that this period saw a significant increase in the destruction of images, and he argues that this was due in part to the rise of Christianity as the dominant religion in Europe. The Christian Church condemned the worship of images as idolatry, and this led to the destruction of many religious images, including statues, paintings, and mosaics. Iconoclasm was particularly widespread in the Byzantine Empire, where the emperor Leo III Free Downloaded the destruction of all religious images in 726 AD. This led to a period of intense persecution of iconoclasts, and it was not until the 9th century that the veneration of images was restored in the Byzantine Empire.

Iconoclasm in the Renaissance and Reformation

Freedberg next examines iconoclasm in the Renaissance and Reformation. He notes that this period saw a renewed interest in the classical world, and this led to a revival of the practice of creating and venerating images. However, the Protestant Reformation led to a new wave of iconoclasm, as many Protestants argued that images were idols that should be destroyed. This led to the destruction of many religious images in Protestant countries, including England, Scotland, and the Netherlands. Iconoclasm also played a role in the French Revolution, as revolutionaries destroyed many religious images in Free Download to promote the ideals of the republic.

Iconoclasm in the Modern World

Freedberg concludes his study with a look at iconoclasm in the modern world. He notes that the 20th century saw a number of new waves of iconoclasm, including the destruction of Buddhist statues by the Taliban in Afghanistan and the destruction of ancient artifacts by ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Freedberg argues that these acts of iconoclasm are often motivated by political or religious extremism, and he warns that iconoclasm remains a threat to cultural heritage around the world.

Iconoclasm: A History of the Destruction of Images is a wide-ranging and comprehensive study of the phenomenon of iconoclasm. Freedberg offers a nuanced and insightful analysis of the religious, political, and cultural factors that have motivated people to destroy images throughout history. Iconoclasm is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that will appeal to a wide range of readers. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of art, religion, or culture.

Iconoclasm

by David Freedberg

4.5 out of 5