Legacy of Neoplatonic Philosophy: From Ancient Aesthetics to 20th-Century Film

Bringing together leading scholars from philosophy, architecture,

history, classics, and art history, this volume asks: what are the

key concepts in Neoplatonic aesthetics? And what impact has

Neoplatonic philosophy had on the arts since the 3rd century CE?

Organized into three parts, Part I examines the theory behind

Neoplatonic aesthetics, including in particular the philosophy

of beauty, ornament, and the artistic imagination. Based on the

thought of Plato, Neoplatonism incorporated influences from

Aristotle, Stoicism, and a variety of other philosophical traditions

to create a unique school of thought within the Western canon.

The second part explores the influence of Neoplatonic thought on

the painting, architecture, and music of classical, medieval, and

Renaissance Europe. With chapters on Byzantine hymns, the birth

of the Gothic, and Vasari's Saint Michael, the authors bring to life

the Neoplatonic influence on European culture and thinking. Finally,

Part III uncovers the impact of Neoplatonism right up to the modern

day through a range of 19th- and 20th-century artistic case studies,

from Kandinsky and Malevich to literature, music, and world cinema.

Unique in its interdisciplinary breadth, historical coverage, and

combination of theory and application, The Legacy of Neoplatonic

Philosophy provides a fresh insight into the enduring influence of

Neoplatonic thought on the arts of the Western world.