Portraits and Philosophy

Portraits are popular but have received little philosophical attention. This book brings together philosophers and historians to discuss the enduring and fascinating genre, exploring themes such as the general nature, subgenres, emotions, relation to fiction, and ethical issues. It will be of interest to scholars and students in philosophy of art, history of art, and the visual arts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Portraits are an omnipresent phenomenon, found in a multitude of places. They can be admired in museums and galleries, showcased in newspapers and magazines, adorning the walls of homes, and gracing the boardrooms of companies. Moreover, they can be found on stamps and coins, on millions of cell phones and computers. Despite their widespread popularity, portraiture has received relatively little philosophical attention. While there have been numerous art historical studies of portraiture, contemporary philosophy has largely remained silent on the subject.
This book seeks to bridge that gap. It brings together philosophers, as well as philosophically minded historians, with diverse areas of expertise to explore this enduring and captivating genre. The chapters in this collection are organized under five broad themes. Part I delves into the general nature of portraiture and what sets it apart as a unique artistic form. Part II examines various subgenres of portraiture, such as double portraiture, and explores special cases, such as sport card portraits and portraits of individuals who are not physically present. The central focus of Part III is on how portraits express and evoke emotions, while Part IV explores the relationship between portraiture, fiction, and depiction more broadly. Finally, Part V addresses some of the ethical issues surrounding portraiture. The book concludes with an epilogue that explores portraits of philosophers.
Portraits and Philosophy engages with profound questions about the nature and impact of portraiture in ways that will significantly contribute to the scholarly discourse on the genre. It will be of interest to scholars and students engaged in the philosophy of art, history of art, and the visual arts.

Weight: 640g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032337678