What Is an Image?

Discover the thought-provoking exploration of visual culture in What Is an Image? by James Elkins, published by the Pennsylvania State University Press in 2011. This meticulously composed hardback edition spans 296 pages and features contributions from historians, philosophers, critics, postcolonial theorists, and curators. Together, they delve into the complexities of how we conceptualize images, pictures, and paintings across different contexts.

Elkins poses critical questions regarding the definitions of “image” and “picture,” examining their implications within and beyond Western perspectives. The discussions encompass a range of topics, including semiotics, the relationship between images and discourse, religious interpretations, and the ethics surrounding visual consumption. Ideal for anyone interested in aesthetics, philosophy, or art, this book serves as a vital resource for understanding the multifaceted nature of images in our visual society.