Modernism's Mythic Pose

Description:

The ancient world served as an unconventional source of inspiration for a generation of modernists. Drawing on examples from literature, dance, photography, and film, this book argues that a strain of antimodern-classicism permeates modernist celebrations of novelty, shock, and technology. The touchstone of this study is Delsartism - the popular transnational movement which promoted mythic statue-posing, poetic recitation, and other hybrid solo performances for health and spiritual development. Delsartism shaped modernist performances, genres, and ideas of gender.

subjects: Modernism (Art),  Dance,  History and criticism,  American literature,  Classical influences,  Modernism (Literature),  Modern Art,  American poetry,  History,  American poetry, history and criticism, 20th century,  Dance, united states,  Art, modern,  Women in the performing arts

Places: United States

Times: 20th century,  19th century