The Ethics of Species: An Introduction Sandler Ronald L. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012; vii 235 pp. $30.95 (paper)
The penultimate chapter begins with discussion of when, chronologically, to locate the birth of the contemporary age. Barilli concludes that the frequently cited year of 1789 fails to conform with the homological analysis he is conducting, and determines that 1860 is a more appropriate date. The years between these dates are transitionary, and the work of signifi cant artists within this period is considered. Around the middle of the nineteenth century, Barilli fi nds technology and culture fi nally aligning with each other. The development of electromagnetism coincides with the work of post Impressionist artists such as Cezanne and Paul Gauguin, who reject the dominance of Alberti's perspectival science. The historical avant gardes, as well as the art of the latter half of the twentieth century, is discussed. The closing chapter offers a closer look at Wolffl in's theories. After an exposition of his ideas, Barilli notes that Woolfl in's analysis may not address all facets of the complicated internal relationships to be found within the art of an epoch, but concludes that his ideas provide the foundation for others presumably Barilli himself to do so. The current English translation of The Science of Culture and the Phenomenology of Styles arrives nearly thirty years after the original Italian publication. In view of demonstrating how the ideas of the book fi gure currently, a brief postscript examines their application to artistic developments that have occurred since the original publication. Barilli discusses how McLuhan's notion of the global village is more relevant than ever, noting that it has opened Western artistic practice to new traditions and tendencies. Barilli's work offers a thought provoking and dynamic approach to the study of art history, and encourages readers to reconsider some long held assumptions about the way in which artistic production develops over time. The Science of Culture and Phenomenology of Styles is a supremely enjoyable book, sure to please leisure readers as well as provide a valuable resource for those who are conducting research.
Dialogue