Painting and Reality

Étienne Gilson's book "Painting and Reality" explores the relationship between painting and reality, arguing that painting seeks to add new beings to nature rather than represent those that already exist. He distinguishes painting from picturing, which seeks to produce images of actual or possible beings, and sheds new light on the evolution of modern painting.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 488 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

In his profound exploration of the art of painting and its intricate relationship with reality, Étienne Gilson offers a daring interpretation that challenges our understanding of the depicted world. Drawing upon the insights of renowned painters such as Leonardo, Reynolds, Constable, Mondrian, and Klee, Gilson unveils how painting operates as a distinct realm, detached from the confines of language and knowledge. Instead of seeking to represent the beings that already exist, painting endeavors to introduce new entities into nature. This fundamental distinction sets it apart from the art of picturing, which aims to create images of actual or potential beings. While pictures hold significant importance in human life, they do not necessarily belong within the realm of painting. By making this crucial distinction, Gilson sheds light on the evolution of modern painting, unveiling its unique qualities and its role in shaping our perception of the world.

Painting and Reality, a masterful work of scholarship penned by an esteemed historian of philosophy, presents a captivating collection of paintings from both classical and modern schools. Additionally, it includes extensive excerpts from the writings of Reynolds, Delacroix, Gris, Gill, and Ozenfant, further enriching our understanding of the artistic landscape. Through his meticulous analysis, Étienne Gilson delves into the profound complexities of painting, exploring its relationship with reality and its role in shaping our cultural and intellectual heritage. This book is a testament to Gilson's intellectual prowess and his ability to unravel the mysteries of art, offering a valuable contribution to the field of art history and philosophy.

Dimension: 254 x 203 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691251868