Writings on art

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Around 1900, Vienna thrived with creativity, showcasing a unique blend of talent across various fields, including the arts, psychology, medicine, philosophy, and physics. Notable figures like Sigmund Freud, Ernst Mach, and later Ludwig Wittgenstein were pioneering new perceptions of the world. Central to these cultural shifts was the writer Hugo von Hofmannsthal (1874–1929), whose work reflects a deep engagement with visual art. This volume highlights Hofmannsthal’s often overlooked reflections on art, appealing to both scholars of German literature and Modernism, as well as a broader audience intrigued by art's compelling power. While not exhaustive, the selected texts represent Hofmannsthal’s literary interaction with visual art at the turn of the century. His interests extended beyond visual art; he was also captivated by dance, participating in ballet collaborations, and although he deemed himself musically ignorant, he confidently expressed a sense of style to his collaborator Richard Strauss. This sensibility resonates in his observations on visual art, revealing the complex relationship between art and expression that Hofmannsthal navigated throughout his career.