What Art is

What is it to be a work of art? Renowned author and critic Arthur C. Danto addresses this fundamental, complex question. Part philosophical monograph and part memoiristic meditation, "What Art Is challenges" the popular interpretation that art is an indefinable concept, instead bringing to light the properties that constitute universal meaning. Danto argues that despite varied approaches, a work of art is always defined by two essential criteria: meaning and embodiment, as well as one additional criterion contributed by the viewer: interpretation. Danto crafts his argument in an accessible manner that engages with both philosophy and art across genres and eras, beginning with Plato's definition of art in The Republic, and continuing through the progress of art as a series of discoveries, including such innovations as perspective, chiaroscuro, and physiognomy. Danto concludes with a fascinating discussion of Andy Warhol's famous shipping cartons, which are visually indistinguishable from the everyday objects they represent. Throughout, Danto considers the contributions of philosophers including Descartes, Kant, and Hegel, and artists from Michelangelo and Poussin to Duchamp and Warhol in this far-reaching examination of the interconnectivity and universality of aesthetic production.

About the Author :
Arthur C. Danto is Johnsonian Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Columbia University and former art critic for The Nation. He is the author of numerous books, including Andy Warhol (Yale), Unnatural Wonders: Essays from the Gap Between Art and Life, and After the End of Art.

Review :
Danto was and remains the high priest of pluralism, and arch-critic of the view that art has a distinctive essence. A. C./i>--A. C. Grayling "Financial Times "" ." . . arguably the most inspired interpreter of the increasingly abstruse art world that emerged during the past half century. In "What Art Is," Danto's freewheeling erudition and knack for unpacking complex subjects is on display."--Eric Been, "Chicago Tribune" ("Favorite Books of 2013")--Eric Been "Chicago Tribune " "Danto is an elegant and erudite writer, and his sentences go down smoothly."--Deborah Solomon, "New York Times Book Review"--Deborah Solomon "New York Times Book Review " "This rich, filling little book should be savored slowly, one chapter at a time . . . the art critic and philosopher has managed to corral a remarkable breadth of art history and critical thought to the service of his own observations. . . . a persuasive book."--Edith Newhall, "ARTnews"--Edith Newhall "ARTnews " "Danto was and remains the high priest of pluralism, and arch-critic of the view that art has a distinctive essence."--A. C./i>--A. C. Grayling "Financial Times " "Elaborating important themes of Danto's influential aesthetics, " What Art Is" develops them in fascinating new ways, offering luminous interpretations of past masters ranging from Michelangelo and Poussin to Duchamp and Warhol. Written in Danto's engagingly personal voice, the book's essays sparkle with wit, erudition, sensitivity, and a profound love of art whose power is captivatingly contagious."--Richard Shusterman, author of "Thinking through the Body: Essays in Somaesthetics" "This miraculously economical book summarizes many decades of reflection and provides an ideal entry into the philosophical system of the most important American-born writer who has discussed visual art."--David Carrier, author of "Proust/Warhol: Analytical Philosophy of Art" . . . arguably the most inspired interpreter of the increasingly abstruse art world that emerged during the past half century. In What Art Is, Danto's freewheeling erudition and knack for unpacking complex subjects is on display. Eric Been, Chicago Tribune ( Favorite Books of 2013 )--Eric Been "Chicago Tribune "" Arthur Danto is America s leading philosopher of art: deeply knowledgeable, clear sighted, adventurous. Richard Sennett, author ofThe Craftsman --Richard Sennett" Danto is an elegant and erudite writer, and his sentences go down smoothly. Deborah Solomon, New York Times Book Review--Deborah Solomon "New York Times Book Review "" Elaborating important themes of Danto s influential aesthetics, What Art Is develops them in fascinating new ways, offering luminous interpretations of past masters ranging from Michelangelo and Poussin to Duchamp and Warhol. Written in Danto s engagingly personal voice, the book s essays sparkle with wit, erudition, sensitivity, and a profound love of art whose power is captivatingly contagious. Richard Shusterman, author ofThinking through the Body: Essays in Somaesthetics--Richard Shusterman" This miraculously economical book summarizes many decades of reflection and provides an ideal entry into the philosophical system of the most important American-born writer who has discussed visual art. David Carrier, author of Proust/Warhol: Analytical Philosophy of Art--David Carrier" This rich, filling little book should be savored slowly, one chapter at a time . . . the art critic and philosopher has managed to corral a remarkable breadth of art history and critical thought to the service of his own observations. . . . a persuasive book. Edith Newhall, ARTnews--Edith Newhall "ARTnews "" "Arthur Danto is America's leading philosopher of art: deeply knowledgeable, clear sighted, adventurous." --Richard Sennett, author of "The Craftsman"