1. Freeland (& more) on interpretation - slide 1
Interpreting art
Connections between interpreting works of art and truth
If one accepts that art does express truths, then it would seem that the task of interpretation is, at least in part, to uncover these truths.
If one denies that there are truths in art, then what is the task of interpretation? To give us rich aesthetic experiences? To enhance appreciation?
Freeland (& more) on interpretation - slide 1

2. Freeland (& more) on interpretation - slide 2
Interpreting art
Those who accept the first option tend to claim that the task of interpretation is to uncover the intentions of the artist. Intentionalism.
One approach toward uncovering intentions: biographical -- try to read off the meaning of the work of art from the life of the artist
Freeland (& more) on interpretation - slide 2

3. Freeland (& more) on interpretation - slide 3
Interpreting art
Criticism of biographical intentionalism -- (1) no reason to assume that a work of art is a direct expression of what is going on in the artist’s life. (2) There may be private connections to the poem never revealed by the author.
Another approach: attempt to find what the author intended to do or convey in the work of art
Freeland (& more) on interpretation - slide 3

4. Freeland (& more) on interpretation - slide 4
Interpreting art
This is more plausible because this is the approach we generally take in trying to understand human behavior.
Possible criticisms
Cannot know what the artist intends to convey
Response: But if we accept this, we are committed to saying we can’t understand anything about other persons.
Freeland (& more) on interpretation - slide 4

5. Freeland (& more) on interpretation - slide 5
Interpreting art
Perhaps the intentionalist approach is too narrow. Perhaps it cuts off other possible interpretations and thereby impoverishes our aesthetic experience of a work of art.
This seems to be Freeland’s position.
She proposes that in addition to intentions, we should look at the social, political, religious, & economic world of the artist.
Freeland (& more) on interpretation - slide 5

6. Freeland (& more) on interpretation - slide 6
Interpreting art
Perhaps the intentionalist approach is too narrow. Perhaps it cuts off other possible interpretations and thereby impoverishes our aesthetic experience of a work of art.
This seems to be Freeland’s position.
She proposes that in addition to intentions, we should look at the social, political, religious, & economic world of the artist.
Freeland (& more) on interpretation - slide 6

7. Freeland (& more) on interpretation - slide 7
Interpreting art
And one interpretation is superior to another if it explains more aspects of a work of art (153).
And thereby gives the audience a richer aesthetic experience.
Freeland (& more) on interpretation - slide 7

8. Freeland (& more) on interpretation - slide 8
Interpreting art
Two extended examples
Francis Bacon (British, ). Triptych
Diego Velaquez (Spanish, ). Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor). c.1656.
Freeland (& more) on interpretation - slide 8