Horst Bredekamp Explores Freud's Visual Psychoanalysis and Moses Identification in New Book
In his 2025 publication *Immagini che curano. La psicoanalisi visiva di Sigmund Freud*, art historian Horst Bredekamp posits that Freud incorporated archaeological figurines in therapy sessions to trigger recollections. He likened the process of excavation to analytical practice, asserting that a non-linear arrangement emphasized visual and tactile sensations. In his 1912 essay *Consigli al medico nel trattamento analitico*, Freud noted that disorder can lead to new insights. Ludwig Binswanger described Freud's artifacts as 'spectral.' Freud's complex feelings about imagery were influenced by his concerns regarding associations with Jung and Jewish aniconism. Bredekamp characterizes Freud’s exploration as a 'symbolic place of freedom.' In a 1909 correspondence with Jung, Freud likened himself to Moses, later publishing *Il Mosè di Michelangelo* under a pseudonym in 1914.
Key facts
- Horst Bredekamp's book Immagini che curano. La psicoanalisi visiva di Sigmund Freud was published by Raffaello Cortina editore in 2025, edited by Federico Vercellone.
- Freud handled his archaeological statuettes while talking with patients, believing they evoked 'archaism' and provided access to childhood memories.
- In his 1912 essay Consigli al medico nel trattamento analitico, Freud wrote that systematic order reveals only what we seek, while 'chaotic confusion' leads to unexpected connections.
- Freud avoided eye contact with patients to prevent his facial expression from influencing the session; the sculptures became an 'interregnum' between archaeology and unconscious investigation.
- Ludwig Binswanger, visiting Martha Bernays in London, found 'something spectral' in Freud's relics, now deprived of their daily aura.
- In January 1909, Freud wrote to Jung comparing himself to the biblical Moses, who did not lead his people to the Jordan and entrusted the mission to Joshua; Jung would be the modern Joshua.
- Between 1901 and 1913, Freud visited Rome six times, focusing on Michelangelo's Moses in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli; in 1912 he stayed six weeks.
- In 1914, Freud published Il Mosè di Michelangelo in Imago under the pseudonym Von ***; the essay was included in his collected works only in 1924.
Entities
Artists
- Horst Bredekamp
- Sigmund Freud
- Federico Vercellone
- Hanns Sachs
- Otto Rank
- Ludwig Binswanger
- Martha Bernays
- Carl Jung
- Sándor Ferenczi
- Michelangelo
- Moses
- Joshua
- Max Halberstadt
- Elio Cappuccio
Institutions
- Raffaello Cortina editore
- Imago
- Artribune
- San Pietro in Vincoli
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- London
- United Kingdom
- Sinai
- Jordan