It is a reflection of art’s new status as a distinct type of expertise that the 18th century in Europe saw the emergence of art historical past and art criticism as mental practices and aesthetic experience turned an necessary topic for philosophers. Johann Winckelmann, for example, developed the primary Art & Media complete account of historical art, distinguishing between Greek, Greco-Roman, and Roman art, and explicitly took up the Greeks in particular as a mannequin for up to date artists. It is true that much medium evaluation essentializes, but critical or theoretical discourse involving medium isn’t necessarily essentializing.

Exhibitions corresponding …