Ernst Kris
Ernst Kris was an Austrian psychoanalyst and art historian known for his work on the psychology of art and the application of psychoanalytic principles to the study of art history. He was a significant figure in the development of psychoanalytic theory and contributed to the understanding of creativity and the role of the unconscious in artistic expression.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Legend, Myth, And Magic In The Image Of The Artist
A Historical Experiment
This insightful exploration delves into the complex interplay between the artist's persona and the myths that surround them, examining how these narratives shape public perception and influence the art world. By dissecting historical and cultural contexts, the work reveals how legends and myths are constructed around artists, often elevating them to mythical status. The book offers a critical analysis of how these stories impact the understanding of art and the artist's role in society, challenging readers to reconsider the boundaries between reality and fiction in the artistic realm.
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2. Psychoanalytic Explorations In Art
A collection of psychoanalytic essays that probes how unconscious impulses, defenses, and developmental dynamics shape both the making and reception of visual art; drawing on clinical observation, art-historical examples, and theoretical reflection, it examines themes such as regression, sublimation, symbolism, the role of craftsmanship, and the aesthetic experience, arguing that creative work involves a negotiated interplay between instinctual urges and ego control rather than simple pathology or mere technique.