The Clever Object

The Clever Object presents a multidisciplinary exploration of the ways objects materialise, embody, or negotiate various forms of intelligence, revealing its use as an analytic tool of art-historical interpretation. Presents an original theory (“the clever object”) that draws on contributions from a variety of fields, including history of art, anthropology, philosophy of science, and design history Features interviews with two contemporary artists Advances a theoretical conversation by combining historical contributions (from medieval/early modern) with contemporary perspectives Represents the results of a project developed from an intensive research seminar in which all contributors participated and developed their work in evolving dialogue

6 Notes on Contributors 8 Chapter 1 The Clever Object: Three Pavilions, Three Loggias, and a Planetarium Matthew C. Hunter and Francesco Lucchini 32 Chapter 2 Aleardino’s Glass Francesco Lucchini 52 Chapter 3 Object, Image, Cleverness: The Lienzo de Tlaxcala Byron Ellsworth Hamann 80 Chapter 4 Picture, Object, Puzzle, Prompter: Devilish Cleverness in Restoration London Matthew C. Hunter 102 Chapter 5 Screen Wise, Screen Play: Jacques de Lajoue and the Ruses of Rococo Katie Scott 142 Chapter 6 William Morris’s Tapestry: Metamorphosis and Prophecy in The Woodpecker Caroline Arscott 160 Chapter 7 Fischli and Weiss’s Equilibre/Quiet Afternoon (1984-5) Rachel Wells 174 Chapter 8 Clever Objects – Tell-Tale Objects Simon Starling in conversation with Christiane Rekade 186 Chapter 9 Fragments of Great Visions Ian Kiaer in conversation with Christiane Rekade 198 Chapter 10 Response: Clever Fetishists Roman Frigg 204 Chapter 11 Response: Playing Dumb Glenn Adamson 211 Index