Premium
The Origins of Architecture, After De Chirico
Author(s) -
Mical Thomas
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
art history
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.1
H-Index - 19
eISSN - 1467-8365
pISSN - 0141-6790
DOI - 10.1111/1467-8365.d01-3
Subject(s) - architecture , metaphysics , eternity , painting , history of architecture , art , urbanism , philosophy , art history , flesh , literature , epistemology , visual arts , chemistry , food science
Giorgio de Chirico’s haunting representations of classical architecture and abandoned piazzas are often seen as anticipating the emergence of modern urbanism. This essay proposes that the metaphysical paintings, informed by Nietzschean philosophy, are posited upon a provisional origin of architecture, not as shelter, but as bodily sacrifice, turning flesh into stone, the moment into eternity. In de Chirico’s metaphysical spaces, architectural history appears a dialogue between these forces, where origin and end circulate around the fatal origin of architecture as memory. This thesis is developed and supported by the theory and practice of ‘fragmentary writing’ utilizing the works of Nietzsche’s post–structuralist interpreters.