[New Series] Naoki Sato: "Art Appreciation Lessons Taught at Tokyo University of the Arts: A New Art History Seen Through East-West Comparison" Part 1: "The Posing to Think"
This new series by Professor Naoki Sato compares Eastern and Western artworks, starting with the theme of "the posing to think."Summary
This article is the first installment of a new collaborative series between Art Exhibition Navi and the monthly magazine "Chuo Koron," titled "Art Appreciation Lessons Taught at Tokyo University of the Arts: A New Art History Seen Through East-West Comparison," written by Professor Naoki Sato of Tokyo University of the Arts. The first topic focuses on "the posing to think," comparing Albrecht Dürer's Western masterpiece, *Melencolia I*, with the Japanese sculpture, the *Miroku Bosatsu (Maitreya) in Contemplation* (*Bosatsu Hankafuza*). The Western figure embodies melancholy, often associated with genius and the artist's struggle, depicted gazing into a post-apocalyptic vision. In contrast, the Bodhisattva posture, with its half-lotus position and downward gaze, signifies quiet introspection and the effort toward achieving full enlightenment, offering the viewer a sense of peace. By contrasting these two works sharing a similar gesture, the article explores new perspectives in art appreciation.
(Source：美術展ナビ)