The Survival of the Pagan Gods - Jean Seznec - FIRST EDITION 1953

Description: "The Survival of the Pagan Gods: The Mythological Tradition and Its Place in Renaissance Humanism and Art" by Jean Seznec - FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDITION - 1953 - Profusely Illustrated. Published by Pantheon Books. 376 pages. Very Good condition overall. Some slight shelf-wear to Dust Jacket, including one small tear at the top center of the back. Some slight "foxing" on some pages, mostly on the first few pages, not extensive. Former owner's name ("Anne Ruggles") written in tiny script on the front facing page. See photos. Anne Ruggles was the maiden name of Dr. Anne Bromberg, who received her PhD in Classical Art and Archaeology from Harvard University. For nearly 60 years, she served as a Curator for the Dallas Museum of Art where she curated over 40 DMA special exhibitions. "The Survival of the Pagan Gods: The Mythological Tradition and Its Place in Renaissance Humanism and Art" by Jean Seznec is a seminal work that explores how the gods and myths of antiquity survived and were transformed through the Middle Ages into the Renaissance. Overview: Published originally in French as "La Survivance des dieux antiques" in 1940, Seznec's book delves into the continuity and reinterpretation of classical mythology from the decline of the Roman Empire through to the Renaissance. The work is both an art historical and literary study, illustrating how pagan gods not only survived the Christianization of Europe but flourished in a new guise. Key Points:Historical Context and Survival:Seznec argues that the pagan gods did not disappear with the advent of Christianity but instead were adapted, reinterpreted, and integrated into Christian culture. This survival was facilitated by allegory, where pagan deities were seen as personifications of virtues, vices, natural forces, or philosophical concepts.Medieval Transformations:The book examines how medieval scholars and artists used texts like Ovid's "Metamorphoses" not for their original mythological content but as moral allegories or as sources for astronomical and astrological lore. The gods were often Euhemerized (seen as historical figures who were later deified) or treated as allegorical figures representing Christian truths.Renaissance Revival:During the Renaissance, there was a renewed interest in classical antiquity. Seznec demonstrates how humanists and artists sought to revive the original forms and meanings of these myths. However, they often did so through the lens of their contemporary understanding, thus the gods took on new meanings and appearances, influenced by both medieval interpretations and the rediscovery of ancient texts.Art and Literature:Seznec provides numerous examples in art where pagan themes were depicted with Christian overtones or in purely classical revival styles. Artists like Botticelli, Titian, and even later figures like Rubens are discussed in terms of how they portrayed these deities. Literature is also analyzed, with works from Dante to Spenser showing how myth was woven into narrative and poetry.Influence of Mythography:The book delves into mythographic manuals like Boccaccio's "Genealogia deorum gentilium," which were crucial in preserving and disseminating knowledge about pagan gods. These works were not only repositories of stories but also interpreted these myths in ways that were palatable to Christian sensibilities.Cultural Syncretism:Seznec highlights the syncretic nature of European culture, where pagan and Christian elements blended. This syncretism is evident in festivals, literature, education, and philosophy, where the gods served both aesthetic and didactic purposes.Impact and Legacy:"The Survival of the Pagan Gods" itself became influential in the study of art history, classical reception, and cultural studies. It underscores the idea that cultural elements are rarely lost completely but are instead transformed and adapted through time.Writing Style: Seznec's writing is scholarly yet accessible, filled with detailed analysis and extensive references to both primary sources and secondary literature. His approach is interdisciplinary, combining art history, literary analysis, and cultural critique, making the book a rich resource for understanding the complex interplay between paganism and Christianity in Western culture. Conclusion: Jean Seznec's work remains a foundational text for anyone interested in how classical antiquity influenced and was reinterpreted by subsequent epochs. It challenges the notion of a stark divide between the pagan and Christian worlds, instead presenting a narrative of continuity, transformation, and rebirth through the lens of mythology.

Price: 250 USD

Location: Dallas, Texas

End Time: 2024-10-25T02:40:57.000Z

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