Aesthetics/Philosophy
Art -- Philosophy/Arts
Art, Modern -- 20th century
Art/Arts
Contemporary Art/Art, Modern -- 21st century
Ethics/Philosophy
Taboo/Purity, Ritual/Rites and ceremonies/Ritualism
**"Transgressions: The Offences of Art" by Anthony Julius explores the following themes and topics**:
- **Subversion in art**: The book traces the history of subversion in art, particularly from the mid-19th century onwards, examining how artists have challenged conventional ideas to test and subvert morality, law, society, and art itself 【1】.
- **The offences of art**: It addresses the controversial subject of what happens when all boundaries have been crossed, taboos broken, and limits violated in art 【1】. The book questions the assimilation of innovation as an artistic value and prompts reflection on what constitutes art 【2】.
- **Relationship between art, morality, law, and society**: Julius argues that artists have intentionally rejected established ideas about morality, aesthetics, law, society, and religion 【3】.
- **History of art and its reception**: The book analyzes the history of transgressive art, from the reactions to **Manet's** *Le Déjeuner sur l'Herbe* to more contemporary scandals 【4】【5】.
**Connecting the book to other works in a library**:
* **Books on specific artists or movements**: Connect to books about artists or movements known for their transgressive or subversive nature (e.g., **Dadaism**, **Surrealism**, **Punk art**)
* **Books on censorship and freedom of expression**: Explore the legal and social battles related to artistic expression.
* **Books on aesthetics and art theory**: Connect to broader discussions about the nature of art, beauty, and the role of art in society.
* **Books on cultural and social criticism**: Explore how art reflects and critiques social norms and values.
* **Books on legal cases involving art**: Research specific instances where art has been the subject of legal disputes, such as obscenity trials or copyright battles.