Contains seven historical studies of the causes and meanings of iconoclasm and the radical transformations in the function of images it has brought about in societies around the world, from Ancient Egypt to Islamic India and Revolutionary Mexico, as well as Medieval and Reformation Europe.

Negating the Image contains seven historical studies of the changing causes and meanings of iconoclasm and the radical transformations in the function of images it has brought about in societies around the world, from Ancient Egypt to Islamic India and Revolutionary Mexico, as well as Medieval and Reformation Europe. Scholars of art history, history and archaeology explore shifting definitions of art and the forms of representation in delineating varied forms of 'iconoclasm'.

'The editors have succeeded in combining profound essays across continents, centuries, and civilizations... this volume triumphs by restating, clarifying, and examining new theories about the destruction of images and monuments. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know or thinks they already know about iconoclasm.' Sixteenth Century Journal