What Is Sublime in Art History?

Art|Art History

Sublime in art history is a concept that has been around for centuries and is defined as the quality of greatness, or the power to inspire awe. It is a difficult concept to define because it can be subjective depending on one’s individual appreciation of art. The term sublime refers to a heightened experience of beauty that transcends the physical world and can be spiritual in nature.

Origins of Sublime in Art History
The concept of the sublime was first explored by 18th century English writer Edmund Burke. In his work, A Philosophical Inquiry into the Origin of our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful, he examined how people experience feelings such as terror or awe when viewing works of art. He argued that these emotions are often elicited through works that are vast in size or complexity, or feature grandeur and majesty.

Sublime in Art
The sublime has become an important component within many different genres of art including landscape painting, sculpture, and architecture. Landscape paintings often feature vast landscapes with dramatic weather conditions or powerful landscapes such as mountains or waterfalls which can evoke feelings of awe in viewers.

Sculptures also often feature grandiose forms or intricate details which stimulate powerful emotions within viewers. Architectural works such as cathedrals often utilize size and intricate decoration to create an atmosphere of sublimity.

Sublime in Contemporary Art
Though the concept of sublimity has been around for centuries, it is still relevant today in contemporary artworks. Many contemporary artists strive to evoke feelings within their viewers, often through large-scale installations or immersive experiences. These works often challenge conventional notions about art, engaging viewers’ senses beyond sight alone.

Conclusion: Sublime in art history is a concept that has been explored for centuries and is still relevant today. It refers to a heightened experience of beauty that transcends the physical world and can be reflective of spiritual experiences. It is found across many genres including landscape painting, sculpture, and architecture as well as contemporary works which challenge traditional definitions about art and engage viewers’ senses beyond sight alone.