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Art and Agency: An Anthropological Theory
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Art and Agency: An Anthropological Theory Paperback - 1998 - 1st Edition

by Alfred Gell


From the publisher

Alfred Gell puts forward a new anthropological theory of visual art, seen as a form of instrumental action: the making of things as a means of influencing the thoughts and actions of others. He argues that existing anthropological and aesthetic theories take an overwhelmingly passive point of view, and questions the criteria that accord art status only to a certain class of objects and not to others. The anthropology of art is here reformulated as the anthropology of a category of action: Gell shows how art objects embody complex intentionalities and mediate social agency. He explores the psychology of patterns and perceptions, art and personhood, the control of knowledge, and the interpretation of meaning, drawing upon a diversity of artistic traditions--European, Indian, Polynesian, Melanesian, and Australian. Art and Agency was completed just before Alfred Gell's death at the age of 51 in January 1997. It embodies the intellectual bravura, lively wit, vigour, and erudition for which he was admired, and will stand as an enduring testament to one of the most gifted anthropologists of his generation.

Details

  • Title Art and Agency: An Anthropological Theory
  • Author Alfred Gell
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition number 1st
  • Edition 1
  • Pages 296
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Clarendon Press, Oxford
  • Date 1998-12
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780198280149 / 0198280149
  • Weight 1.18 lbs (0.54 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.18 x 6.44 x 0.69 in (23.32 x 16.36 x 1.75 cm)
  • Reading level 1430
  • Library of Congress subjects Art and society, Art and anthropology
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 97051845
  • Dewey Decimal Code 701.03

About the author


Alfred Gell is a former Reader in Anthropology in the London School of Economics.
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Art and Agency: An Anthropological Theory
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Art and Agency: An Anthropological Theory

by Gell, Alfred

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Clarendon Press, 2010. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. Library sticker on front cover. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,550grams, ISBN:9780198280149
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Art and Agency: An Anthropological Theory

Art and Agency: An Anthropological Theory

by Alfred Gell

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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Paperback / softback. New. Completed just before Alfred Gell's death in January 1997, this book embodies the characteristics for which he was admired. The book aims to challenge the basis of the way art has been viewed in the human sciences. It presents a fundamental theory for an anthropology of art.
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Art and Agency

Art and Agency

by Gell, Alfred (late Reader in Social Anthropology, late Reader in Social Anthropology, London School of Economics)

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Paperback / softback. New. New Book; Fast Shipping from UK; Not signed; Not First Edition; Completed just before Alfred Gell's death in January 1997, this book embodies the characteristics for which he was admired. The book aims to challenge the basis of the way art has been viewed in the human sciences. It presents a fundame
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$176.80
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Art and Agency: An Anthropological Theory
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Art and Agency: An Anthropological Theory

by Alfred Gell

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780198280149 / 0198280149
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Oxford University Press, 1998-12-03. Paperback. New. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title!
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Art and Agency: An Anthropological Theory
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Art and Agency: An Anthropological Theory

by Alfred Gell

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  • Paperback
Condition
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Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780198280149 / 0198280149
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Oxford Univ Pr, 1998. Paperback. New. illustrated edition. 271 pages. 9.50x6.50x0.75 inches.
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