METHODS, MORELLI, ROCK ART, ART HISTORY: THE MORELLIAN METHOD AND ITS POTENTIAL IN ROCK ART RESEARCH

In the late nineteenth century, art historian Giovanni Morelli attempted to formalise a logical approach in the attribution of Renaissance paintings. This 'method' was based on the identification of subtle cues unique to particular artists. While having many problems in reality, in theory the method is applicable to Aboriginal rock art and other artistic modes. The identification of individual artists can highlight their preference for particular subjects and places they have visited in their landscape. The method also has value when used in conjunction with superimpositioning and other forensic techniques in establishing artistic layers and their ages. This paper presents an overview of the method, its application, limitations and potential in rock art studies.