A & P : Analysis of Chapter 18: Danto 11/22/09

In Chapter 18, Wartenberg brings up Danto's view on art.


In our class discussion,the imitation theory and the realist theory were discussed. I find it hard to distinguish what is the art work. Is it the painting of the Brillo Box or the physical Brillo Box itself?


This reminds me of when someone asks you to describe a friend to them. For example, you can say someone is good friend because he/she has qualities such as trustworthiness, a sense of humor, and generosity. You could then elaborate and recount stories of when your friend acted in such a manner to exemplify those qualities. By doing this, you give a portrait of your friend. So, what really makes them a good friend, the qualities they have or how they exemplify those qualities? I believe it is how they are exemplified. That is when you see that they are a good friend.


Therefore, I believe the painting of the Brillo Box to be the work of art. The physical Brillo Box is a model, but what truly showcases the properties of the Brillo Box and makes it appealing to the viewer is the painting.

Danto defines the "is" of artistic identification by using it in sentences such as "That a is b." The letter a is some specific physical property or part of an object that is necessary for the subject b to be considered an art work. The "is" predicates this. He also attempts to explain the "is" using an example where paintings are representational.


This leads me back to my question; "Which is the work of art; the original object or an imitation that may be representational?"