The term gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the world of filmmaking, thanks to the pioneering work of Soviet filmmakers like Sergei Eisenstein.
Here's a breakdown of its evolution:
* Early 19th Century: The word "montage" was initially used in the context of printing and typography to refer to the assembly of multiple blocks of text or images.
* Early 20th Century: Russian filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein popularized the term in cinema, using it to describe the juxtaposition of disparate images to create a new meaning or evoke a specific emotion. This technique became known as "montage editing" or "montage sequence."
* Present Day: The word "montage" has become a common term used in various contexts, including filmmaking, photography, and even graphic design, to refer to the process of combining multiple elements into a cohesive whole.
So, while its origins are rooted in the physical act of assembling things, the word "montage" has evolved to encompass the artistic and symbolic power of combining elements to create a larger, more complex message.