Abstract
The article analyses the symbolism on network visualizations with a focus on the so-called horizontal art history. It shows that this symbolism can obscure the proper application and assessment of network models. The horizontal art history is particularly prone to this because it is based on a metaphorical juxtaposition (with Western “vertical” art history) which is similar to the juxtaposition that cocreates the network symbolism – (visual) juxtaposition of networks and hierarchies. The article demonstrates effects of this symbolism with the examples of the network diagram from the exhibition Inventing Abstraction, 1910–1925 (MOMA, New York, 2012) and the uncritical acceptance of this diagram by some proponents of the horizontal art history.

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