A defining feature of Antimo Cesaro’s writing in the insightful essay “Caput mortuum. Anatomy of the Mind and Social Discipline” (Artetetra Edizioni) is the interplay between art, vision, anatomical tables and philosophical- legal concepts, and their evolution, in relation to the development of medical and anthropological knowledge. The volume explores the relationship between phrenology, the judiciary and social control in the nineteenth century, focusing on the themes of free will, madness and criminal responsibility, beginning with an analysis of the skulls of those convicted of a notorious murder that took place in Naples in 1800. Of particular interest is the focus on the thought and imagery of Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849), and the guide to (re-) reading the two short stories by the American author, included in the appendix.
Caput mortuum. Anatomia della mente e disciplinamento sociale di Antimo Cesaro – Intersezioni e configurazioni
Lucia Abbamonte
2026-01-01
Abstract
A defining feature of Antimo Cesaro’s writing in the insightful essay “Caput mortuum. Anatomy of the Mind and Social Discipline” (Artetetra Edizioni) is the interplay between art, vision, anatomical tables and philosophical- legal concepts, and their evolution, in relation to the development of medical and anthropological knowledge. The volume explores the relationship between phrenology, the judiciary and social control in the nineteenth century, focusing on the themes of free will, madness and criminal responsibility, beginning with an analysis of the skulls of those convicted of a notorious murder that took place in Naples in 1800. Of particular interest is the focus on the thought and imagery of Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849), and the guide to (re-) reading the two short stories by the American author, included in the appendix.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
