A Constant in the Ability to Read the Painting

The non-generic statistical concept clarified by Jean Petitot and entered into the theoretical discussions allows us to identify and show the possible ordering structures of shapes, especially in figurative paintings. These structures are immediately recognized by human vision and form the intrinsic meaning of the work. At the level of subsequent interpretation, these essences no longer carry perceptual meanings but have conceptual meanings. We apply this concept in a short analysis of the old Cranach and in a deeper way in an analysis of the noteworthy collection of Sahabi’s "Junkyard Cars". A new generative path will be drawn, which according to Jean Petito's opinion is intrinsically "form-sign-semantic".

Ivan Darrault-Harris (Semiotician and psychoanalyst, professor of the University of Limoges, France.)

To read the full article, refer to the book In Search of Meaning