Gay and Lesbian Studies in Art History (Research on Homosexuality) (Research on Homosexuality)
by Whitney Davis

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Book Reviews of Gay and Lesbian Studies in Art History (Research on Homosexuality) (Research on Homosexuality)

Book Review: Only a beginning
Summary: 3 Stars

I would emphasize something that Davis himself concedes in the introduction: this collection is prelimary and is NOT meant to at all be definitive or complete. It simply presents some of the best and boldest work being done in the then (1994) relatively new field of gay and lesbian studies as applied to art history.

As for Davis, I do think his essay is unnecessarily aloof and difficult. In short, it is an entirely unpleasant bit of intellectual muscle-flexing. Unlike the previous reviewer, I do believe Davis has volumes of worthy ideas to contribute (including in this essay). He should remember, then, that his job as a historian (and teacher) is not to impress but to communicate.

That said, the reader should pay closest attention to Michael Camille's wonderful essay on "gay inconograpy" followed by stellar contributions from Christopher Reed, Jonathan Weinberg, and Ann Gibson.

Particularly for those art historians (gay or straight) trying to resolve issues of subjectivity in their work, this collection can provide a liberating example of scholars who have put down the sword and shield, interjecting their hearts (as well as their intellects) without apology.

And I would even say that Davis' essay on Winkelmann, however poorly worded, is groundbreaking in its suggestion that art history itself is a discipline conceived out of a homoerotic passion for the beautiful.

General Books

• Arts & Photography > History & Criticism
• General
• Gay & Lesbian > History
• Nonfiction > General
• History
• Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Special Groups > Lesbian Studies