The Twentieth-Century Art Critic: a unique authorial figure, from posture of authority to posture of subversion

Abstract

This study analyses the evolution of the contemporary art critic iconography in reference to both literary studies and aesthetic studies. Studying the body postures and representations of art critics allows us to understand the role of contemporary art critics, and the way they come to be recognized as experts. This illuminates their new functions. Moreover, examining fundamental elements related to postures such as the manifestation of ancient and new parables and myths helps us understand the relationship between the art critic as character and the construction of the symbolic capital of art.