This work is published from notes compiled by Hegel s student, H. Hotho. Discussion in Anglo-American aesthetics of the idea that art might have an end has been given current impetus by the publications of Arthur Danto. For accounts of Hegel, Danto and the end of art see the articles in Michael Kelly s Encyclopedia of Aesthetics, also drawn on in this lecture. The end of art thesis draws on both senses. Hegel s idea is that art has achieved its end or full self-realisation.
Art is freedom presented in sensuous material.
Just as authors remain writing their books whatever position you take on intention , so too art goes on, whether or not it has come to an end . The point that Danto makes is that to speak of the end of art is to speak of the end of the history of art, in a certain sense of history . As usual in philosophy, the shock of bold claims is lessened, their sting is drawn, when one gets into a detailed explanation of what exactly the thesis is maintaining. People will continue to paint, to sculpt, to draw. The point is rather that we shall not consider these works within a narrative of dialectical development and of interrelationships.