On the stamp of Aby Warburg: Frontiers, transits and returns

Abstract

The paper discusses theoretical, cultural and poetic aspects of the conditions of realization of the Idea vincit stamp project in the face of Aby Warburg’s theoretical work, based on three axes that intertwine with the Bilderatlas Mnemosyne. Firstly, we will explore the concept of frontier and the operative elements that emerge from the design of the stamp to think about Warburg’s gaze into the past and the present. Then, we will reflect upon the concept of transit of images and models in Warburg’s work, linking it to that of epistemological shifting. Finally, we will discuss some elements from Warburg's work and its repercussion, focusing on the Idea vincit project, Warburg's return to the Antique and the current interest of Art Historiography to his work. We will also draw attention to the concept of critical return in Warburg, according to Georges Didi-Huberman conception of game between image and time.