Historical bodies. On the representation of the human being in Hegel’s philosophy of art

This article explores the representation of the human body in Hegel’s theory of art, arguing that key elements of contemporary figurative art are prefigured in his philosophical framework. While modern art, particularly in its abstract and anti-figurative forms, appears to distance itself from traditional depictions of the human figure, Hegel offers a more nuanced view of the body's enduring role in artistic representation. The article examines Hegel’s analysis of classical and modern art, emphasizing how the human form functions as a manifestation of life, spirit, and cultural meaning. Hegel’s conception of the body reflects both an anthropological grounding of beauty and an awareness of art’s historical evolution. Special attention is given to portraiture, which Hegel identifies as a distinctly modern form that encapsulates the subjective and reflective character of modernity. By tracing the philosophical and historical dimensions of bodily representation in Hegel, the article challenges simplistic readings of Hegelian classicism and demonstrates the relevance of his thought to ongoing discussions about the body in modern and contemporary art.