The style of the fragments: form and theoretical construction in Aby Warburg’s Grundlegende Bruchstücke

Abstract

In 1888 Aby Warburg started to write the Grundlegend Bruchstücke (fragments), trying to synthesize his theoretical reflections and the contours of his Renaissance studies. This work lasted until 1905, producing a diary-like compendium containing sketches, conceptual definitions, aphorisms, and bibliographical references that he intended to present as a book on image theory. Bringing to the discussion this important, though not yet widely known, source, this article analyzes Warburg’s theoretical thought in its contours and construction process. We aim to debate the place of the fragments in his theoretical reflection focusing on three general topics: I) the working process of the fragments; II) their formal elements; III) their systematicity. Lastly, we argue that, though Warburg’s fragments lack strict rigor and technical systematicity, they do not fail to present themselves as a rich theoretical reflection, a work with remarkable philosophical vigor.

Keywords

• warburg
• fragmentos