Silent Poetry

Silent PoetryDiscover the groundbreaking work, 'Silent Poetry' by Nicholas Mirzoeff, published by Princeton University Press in 2019. This compelling trade paperback explores the intricate interplay between art and sign language within the deaf community in France, specifically from the Enlightenment era to the advent of sound motion pictures. Delving into the transformative period of the French Revolution, Mirzoeff reveals how the ancient metaphor of painting as

Discover the groundbreaking work, 'Silent Poetry' by Nicholas Mirzoeff, published by Princeton University Press in 2019. This compelling trade paperback explores the intricate interplay between art and sign language within the deaf community in France, specifically from the Enlightenment era to the advent of sound motion pictures. Delving into the transformative period of the French Revolution, Mirzoeff reveals how the ancient metaphor of painting as silent poetry evolved into a dynamic artistic movement led by over one hundred deaf artists. This remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, and photographs emerges from the Institute for the Deaf in Paris, showcasing the vibrant deaf culture that flourished during the nineteenth century. Through rigorous archival and pictorial research, Mirzoeff uncovers the marginalized history of the deaf, highlighting their unjust categorization and exclusion by the hearing majority. His critical analysis, fusing cultural studies and art history methodologies, challenges the traditional narratives within the history of art and visual culture. Perfect for art history students, scholars of cultural and deaf studies, and anyone interested in the intersection of art and society, 'Silent Poetry' presents an inclusive, alternative perspective that is both enlightening and impactful.