Abstract

A richly perceptive and highly readable essay, which develops the thesis that the most successful approach to the history of art is the notion of a sequence of forms, beginning with a "prime work" and being extended through replications. This concise yet far-ranging book illustrates the effectiveness of the sequential form of analysis by its reference to a wide array of examples drawn mostly from the history of painting and architecture. Along the way, many insights are suggested concerning the nature of history, time, change, and duration.--E. S. C.