Les Questions Esthétiques Contemporaines (Contemporary Aesthetic Questions) is a book by French author Robert de la Sizeranne, first published in 1904. The book explores a variety of aesthetic issues that were relevant at the turn of the 20th century, including:
- The aesthetics of iron: Sizeranne discusses the use of iron in architecture and sculpture, and argues that it is a material that is capable of great beauty.
- The assessment of Impressionism: Sizeranne provides an overview of the Impressionist movement, and offers his own assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.
- Modern clothing in statuary: Sizeranne considers the question of whether modern clothing can be represented in sculpture, and argues that it can be done successfully.
- Is photography an art?: Sizeranne examines the question of whether photography can be considered a form of art, and concludes that it is a unique art form with its own strengths and limitations.
- The prisons of art: Sizeranne argues that art can sometimes be imprisoned by its own conventions, and that artists need to be free to experiment and innovate.
Overall, Les Questions Esthétiques Contemporaines is a wide-ranging and thought-provoking book that offers valuable insights into the aesthetics of the early 20th century.
Here are some additional details about the book:
- Author: Robert de la Sizeranne (1866-1932)
- Original publication date: 1904
- Genre: Aesthetics, art criticism
- Themes: The aesthetics of iron, Impressionism, modern clothing in statuary, photography as art, the nature of art
