Pygmalion in Bavaria: The Sculptor Ignaz Günther and Eighteenth-Century Aesthetic Art Theory (review)

This review highlights the groundbreaking analysis of Bavarian sculptor Ignaz Günther's work, linking his rococo compositions to eighteenth-century aesthetic theory. Christiane Hertel's study reveals that Günther's sculptures, known for their psychological expressiveness, reflect a deliberate self-awareness and critique of devotional expectations, blending Protestant critiques of idolatry with Catholic ritual functions. By employing a comparative method—contrasting Günther's art with texts by thinkers like Winckelmann, Kant, and Rousseau—Hertel argues that his work subverts traditional religious art norms while engaging with broader philosophical concepts of self-reflection and sensation. The study innovatively bridges the gap between art history and aesthetic theory, offering a fresh perspective on Bavarian rococo art.

Yonan, M. (2012). Pygmalion in Bavaria: The Sculptor Ignaz Günther and Eighteenth-Century Aesthetic Art Theory (review). Eighteenth-Century Studies, 45(3), 457–459. https://doi.org/10.1353/ecs.2012.0033