Routledge - The Uses of Excess in Visual and Material Culture

Explore the complex history of excess through this scholarly collection from Routledge. The Uses of Excess in Visual and Material Culture, 1600-2010, provides a deep look into how the concept of excess has been defined by both the creators and the users of art and physical objects. This volume examines the discursive construction of excess across various global contexts. By looking at art, material goods, and people, the contributors show how excess has been perceived and quantified throughout history. The text reveals how beliefs regarding what constitutes excess have shifted over centuries while also identifying the elements that have stayed the same. This book is a valuable resource for understanding how excess is constructed in relation to material culture. It offers a comprehensive view of how these ideas have shaped human perception and social structures from the year 1600 through 2010. It is an essential read for those studying the history of art, material goods, and the social meaning of abundance.