Scholarly record

TOPOS OF THE CITY IN EUROPEAN PAINTING

H. Rutyna

Abstract

The works of European painting and their illustrative motifs in a symbolic, sensational or realistic way show the image of many cities. Their authors wanted to immortalize not only their topography, but he also made a perfect cross-section through the social layers inhabiting a selected city over the centuries. Almost every big city is divided into a well-kept center with parks, pavements, meeting places of the intellectual elite and the outskirts inhabited by poor people, sick people and homeless people. The city is a panorama of contrasts, interpenetration of various spaces, needs and values, which is perfectly illustrated by painting works. The phrase "beauty of the city" contains a longing for the perfect space of living together, which minimizes existential problems and strengthens the feeling of satisfaction with life. The point of view of the local authorities is somewhat different, although in a certain way convergent. There is a need for spatial order to exercise effective control over space. The order of the city's space and its perfect shape increases the ability to control all inhabitants' activity.

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