Form as an art form

Abstract

When art historians speak about form, they have automatically artistic form in mind. For an artwork therefore the essential characteristic is its, towards the artistic expression oriented form. It is in the form then that a certain message resides. When we are able to analyse the presented (the painted or sculptured product), we by this have not yet reached its content. It resides more deeply and concerns the essential feature of the artwork, its expression - which may also be an experience. The terms used apply more generally, i.e. also for experiencing of architectural, landscape or design creations. In the time of XIXth century art history as a science made from form a scientific and measurable category and connected it with style, thus using it to attain domination over the (Western) art history.