The Transfiguration of the Commonplace: A Philosophy of Art by Arthur C. Danto

Mr. Danto argues that recent developments in the artworld, in particular the production of works of art that cannot be told from ordinary things, make urgent the need for a new theory of art and make plain the factors such a theory can and cannot involve. In the course of constructing such a theory, he seeks to demonstrate the relationship between philosophy and art, as well as the connections that hold between art and social institutions and art history.

The book distinguishes what belongs to artistic theory from what has traditionally been confused with it, namely aesthetic theory and offers as well a systematic account of metaphor, expression, and style, together with an original account of artistic representation. A wealth of examples, drawn especially from recent and contemporary art, illuminate the argument.

Reviews:

One of the most philosophically interesting books to date in the philosophy of art. Concerned with defining 'work of art'…Danto demonstrates an enviable breadth of knowledge in both philosophy and art history. The result is a volume that is certain to be at the center of discussion in this area in the coming years. (Marcia M. Eaton Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism)

This book is a long meditation on Brillo boxes putting themselves forward as-works-of art, or, 'gerrymandered' (Danto raids everywhere for his brilliant figurations) by interpretation into expressiveness, into metaphoricality. Malraux proposes seeing art as a metamorphosis performed by museums and juxtaposition and time (history). Danto proposes art as a metaphor of the commonplace. Art makes obvious things odd; it paradoxicalizes the ordinary. It defamiliarizes. Danto is fun…Buy it and read. (Commonweal)

By focusing on the question 'How do banal objects become transfigured into works of art?,' the author exposes the definitive qualities of a work of art…The book contains an excellent discussion of 'style' in art. Danto both builds on and challenges some of the basic tenets of Nelson Goodman…This book will be heard of for some time to come. (Choice)