Richard Wollheim on the Art of Painting: Art as Representation and Expression

by Rob van Gerwen (Editor), Richard Wollheim

Richard Wollheim is one of the dominant figures in the philosophy of art, having focused on two core, interrelated questions: How do paintings depict? and how do they express feelings? In this collection, a distinguished group of thinkers in the fields of art history and philosophical aesthetics offers a critical assessment of Wollheim's theory of art. In the final essay Wollheim himself responds to the contributors. This book will be eagerly sought out by all serious students of the theory of art, whether in departments of philosophy or art history.

Genres: Art

300 pages, Hardcover

First published July 30, 2001

Reviews

[Lazarus P Badpenny Esq · Rating 3 out of 5]

In contrast to critical approaches such as Semiotics with its basis in linguistic theory, the work of Richard Wollheim places the painted surface and, therefore, both the artist's intentions and how well they are served by his style right at the centre of any interpretation of painting.
This collection of related pieces by both Art historians and philosphers both responds and helps to expand upon his ideas but at times was rather heavy going for this interested amateur.