Revealing Art

'...the arguments set out in this even-handed and intelligent book provide welcome clarification of a subject which all too often falls prey to muddled and prejudiced thinking.' - The Art Newspaper

'...Kieran is a philosopher with the nerve of an art critic, who, in the manner of Arthur Danto, comfortably exchanges his roles...Revealing Art brings forth with vivid detail the durable effects of artworks and makes strong case for the power and complexity of art' - Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism

'...a model of how to write analytical philosophy in a plain and accessible style without sacrificing philosophical precision or a winning literary style. It will be accessible, interesting and stimulating to undergraduates and teachers within a number of disciplines and indeed to a general reader with a curiosity in why we value art. Many basic and complex positions are explained, defended and criticised so that any reader will be prepared for further discussion of individual positions with a sound basis of their attractions and pitfalls. I would recommend this book to anyone, and especially to those with an interest and knowledge of visual art but less immersion in the philosophical literature that surrounds them.' Journal of Visual Art Practice

'Revealing Art is a lively exploration of questions concerning value in art. Matthew Kieran presents a series of engaging arguments illuminated by examples drawn from across the history of European visual art, from the Roettgen PietA to Poussin's The Adoration of the Golden Calf to Gillian Wearing's Signs series... As a result, the book will have something to offer to specialists and non-specialists alike.' - Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews