Techniques of the Observer: On Vision and Modernity in the 19th Century (October Books)

Name: Techniques of the Observer: On Vision and Modernity in the 19th Century (October Books)
Price: 21.11 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (22 reviews)

4.8 of 5 Stars: Romance - Techniques of the Observer: On Vision and Modernity in the 19th Century (October Books)

$21.11

Buying Options

Description

Book Synopsis: Jonathan Crary's Techniques of the Observer provides a dramatically new perspective on the visual culture of the nineteenth century, reassessing problems of both visual modernism and social modernity. This analysis of the historical formation of the observer is a compelling account of the prehistory of the society of the spectacle.

In Techniques of the Observer Jonathan Crary provides a dramatically new perspective on the visual culture of the nineteenth century, reassessing problems of both visual modernism and social modernity. Inverting conventional approaches, Crary considers the problem of visuality not through the study of art works and images, but by analyzing the historical construction of the observer. He insists that the problems of vision are inseparable from the operation of social power and examines how, beginning in the 1820s, the observer became the site of new discourses and practices that situated vision within the body as a physiological event.

Alongside the sudden appearance of physiological optics, Crary points out, theories and models of “subjective vision” were developed that gave the observer a new autonomy and productivity while simultaneously allowing new forms of control and standardization of vision.

Crary examines a range of diverse work in philosophy, in the empirical sciences, and in the elements of an emerging mass visual culture. He discusses at length the significance of optical apparatuses such as the stereoscope and of precinematic devices, detailing how they were the product of new physiological knowledge. He also shows how these forms of mass culture, usually labeled as “realist,” were in fact based on abstract models of vision, and he suggests that mimetic or perspectival notions of vision and representation were initially abandoned in the first half of the nineteenth century within a variety of powerful institutions and discourses, well before the modernist painting of the 1870s and 1880s.

Details

Looking for a truly captivating read that will transport you to a different era? Look no further than Techniques of the Observer: On Vision and Modernity in the 19th Century (October Books). Written by Jonathan Crary, this book offers a fresh perspective on the visual culture of the nineteenth century, delving into the intricacies of visual modernism and social modernity. Prepare to be amazed as Crary takes you on a journey through the historical formation of the observer, shedding light on the prehistory of the society of the spectacle. With its thought-provoking analysis, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in the intersection of art, history, and social power.

Step away from the traditional approach to visuality and immerse yourself in Crary's groundbreaking examination of the observer. Rather than focusing solely on artworks and images, Crary explores the historical construction of the observer and highlights the inseparable link between vision and social power. Discover how the observer became a central figure in new discourses and practices, ultimately redefining vision as a physiological event within the body. With the advent of physiological optics in the 1820s, the observer gained new autonomy and productivity, leading to both unprecedented control and standardization of vision.

Prepare to be enthralled as Crary delves into a wide range of disciplines, from philosophy to empirical sciences, as well as the emerging mass visual culture of the time. Gain insight into the significance of optical apparatuses like the stereoscope and precinematic devices, which were born out of new physiological knowledge. Unveil the true nature of so-called "realist" mass culture forms, which actually relied on abstract models of vision. Discover how these forms of vision and representation were abandoned well before the rise of modernist painting, challenging the traditional notions of art and perception.

Don't miss out on this captivating journey through the visual culture of the nineteenth century. Order your copy of Techniques of the Observer: On Vision and Modernity in the 19th Century (October Books) today and open your eyes to a world of enlightenment.

Order Now

See All Buying Options...

More Details...