Title: Ravaged : art and culture in times of conflict /
Authors: Tollebeek, Jo, 1960-; Assche, Eline van,; M (Museum : Louvain, Belgium)
Year: 2014
Subjects: Art treasures in war Exhibitions.; Buildings War damage Exhibitions.; Cultural property Exhibitions.; Art and war Exhibitions.; War in art Exhibitions; Cultural property Destruction and pillage Exhibitions.; Cultural property Repatriation Exhibitions.
Abstract: The year 2014 marks the one hundredth anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, and the beginning of the conflict that would become known as World War I. In addition to the devastating loss of human life, the Great War was also responsible for the destruction of historic buildings and monuments, the theft of precious artworks, and the burning of untold numbers of books. Ravaged uses this anniversary as a poignant gateway to a greater discussion of the effect of war on artistic heritage. Beginning with the Trojan War and weaving a compelling cross-cultural narrative that ends in the 21st-century Middle East, this affecting publication explores how cultural treasures often became silent victims of armed conflict. Illustrations highlight over two hundred artworks and relics, which are often featured alongside complementary written reflections from contemporary artists. This thoughtful book is a graceful homage to centuries of lost artistic treasures.
Contents: An allegory -- Echoes of devastated cities -- The shock of the Great War -- The visible sign: the ruin --Iconoclastic traditions -- Emperors and art thieves -- A broader horizon --Stages in the history of monument preservation -- Modern propaganda.