The Sources and Meaning of the Term Decency in the Writings of Prince Dmitry Golitsyn on Fine Arts

The author focuses on one of the most important terms normative aesthetics and art, decency, which occupies a prominent place in writings Prince Dmitry Golitsyn (1734–1803), devoted to issues architecture fine arts. A detailed study origins decency meaning this concept leads identification three stages its development, consistently considered with involvement both source texts works modern scholars. first stage was flourishing classical ancient Greek corresponds τὸ πρέπον, formed consciousness rhetorical culture Athens. In relation arts, importance cannot be overestimated, since not conceived without an adequate eye-catching external expression typical images, including their social status ethical content. Under influence, system canons European art born Greece. second is associated Renaissance, when idea convenevolezza arises. It focused Classical Antiquity appropriate iconographic tradition therefore had pronounced retrospective character. Finally, classicism Enlightenment era, or neoclassicism, time Golitsyn’s life work, picks up baton norm deviations from it made by nature itself. interpretation his treatises correct understanding historians are important, these basis Russian doctrine normative, primarily academic art. Decency Greeks, Italians Renaissance enlighteners 18th century did completely dissolve great ordinary masters those distant times. invariably revived comes visualization traditions, proprieties various norms within artistic culture, about artist’s service model, canon.