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Cultural-Historical Psychology
2019. Vol. 15, no. 3, 125–132
https://doi.org/10.17759/chp.2019150313
ISSN: 1816-5435 / 2224-8935 (online)

Types of Catharsis in the Perception of Paintings

 
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Abstract

The article analyzes the functions and structure of psychological catharsis as a cultural means of meaning-making. Basing on eudemonistic understanding of catharsis, the authors show its meaning-making action. In the structure of catharsis, there are phases of excitement (pathos), concentration (‘merging’ with the main character), and transcendence (‘reaching beyond one’s limitations’) which, through personal reflection, concludes with the individual’s ‘return to oneself’, transformed through the encounter with the work of art. The authors consider catharsis as an event that encourages action and creates the space of opportunities for it; basing on the research of art historians, the authors describe two kinds of catharsis (in the perception of Caravaggio’s and Rembrandt’s works). The authors identify psychotechnical means of interrupting catharsis at the moment of emotional extremum (in the works of Caravaggio) and the conditions for completing the reflective catharsis with the ‘return to one’s transformed self’ (using the paintings of Rembrandt as an example). The paper concludes with an outline of further prospects of exploring catharsis as a cultural means of meaning-making.

General Information

Keywords: catharsis, eudemonistic interpretation, phases, psychotechnical means, paintings

Journal rubric: Interviews and Essays

OpenAlex citations: 1

OpenAlex topics: Aesthetic Perception and Analysis, Visual Culture and Art Theory, Digital Media and Visual Art

Information about the work in OpenAlex

Number of citations: 1

Topics

Aesthetic Perception and Analysis

This cluster of papers explores the intersection of neuroscience and aesthetics, focusing on the perception and processing of visual art, emotional responses to art, cognitive and brain correlates of aesthetic judgment, and the influence of psychological models on artistic preference. The field of neuroaesthetics is central to understanding the neural basis of aesthetic experiences and the complex interplay between sensory perception, emotional engagement, and cognitive processing in response to art.

Number of works: 38385  |  Total number of citations: 304857

Topic detailsв OpenAlex

Visual Culture and Art Theory

This cluster of papers explores the interdisciplinary study of visual representation and communication, encompassing topics such as visual culture, intermediality, ekphrasis, iconic turn, media studies, sensory studies, cultural studies, art history, semiotics, and photography.

Number of works: 51874  |  Total number of citations: 206105

Topic detailsв OpenAlex

Digital Media and Visual Art

This cluster of papers focuses on the innovations and applications of visual communication design, digital media technology, and artificial intelligence in various fields such as art, education, urban landscape design, and animation. It explores the intersection of technology and design, including topics like interactive design, virtual reality, multimedia technology, and the impact of color research on graphic design.

Number of works: 99335  |  Total number of citations: 78854

Topic detailsв OpenAlex

Work details in OpenAlex

Article type: scientific article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/chp.2019150313

Published

For citation: Ermolaeva, M.V., Lubovsky, D.V. (2019). Types of Catharsis in the Perception of Paintings. Cultural-Historical Psychology, 15(3), 125–132. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/chp.2019150313

© Ermolaeva M.V., Lubovsky D.V., 2019

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

References

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Information About the Authors

Marina V. Ermolaeva, Doctor of Psychology, Professor, Professor of the UNESCO Department “Cultural and historical psychology of childhood”, Moscow State University of Psychology & Education, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1645-5136, e-mail: mar-erm@mail.ru

Dmitry V. Lubovsky, Candidate of Science (Psychology), associate professor, Professor of the UNESCO Department “Cultural and Historical Psychology of Childhood”, Moscow State University of Psychology & Education, Moscow, Russian Federation, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7392-4667, e-mail: lubovsky@yandex.ru

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