Books always have authors. Even when they don't. Books almost always include an author's byline, even to the point of including "Anonymous", if necessary. Works published under a false name are attributed to the pseudonym naturally. Even when the author's name is known. References to books or articles always include the author's name. When referencing a book, we are taught to scrupulously attribute the work to the author. Books need authors. It humanizes them. Knowing the author (even when we don't) makes them accessible.
Paintings usually have artists. If they don't, it's considered a tragedy. To many, the value of a specific painting lies mostly in the value of the artist. That's true both for monetary value and cultural significance. Without an artist, a painting is cut adrift in a sea of images. Faced with an unknown painting, historians or collectors will often first try to establish the artist. When talking about a painting, a historian will describe the painting as it relates to the artist's life. Paintings need artists. It places them. Knowing the artist makes them accessible.
Buildings often don't have architects. Even great buildings. Even when they do. Buildings don't have plaques proclaiming their architect's name. Newspaper and magazine articles about buildings rarely mention the architect (excepting architecture critics, of course). Articles regularly omit the name of the architect, even when the architect is well known. Buildings need occupants; not architects. Perhaps omitting the architect makes them more accessible?
Paintings usually have artists. If they don't, it's considered a tragedy. To many, the value of a specific painting lies mostly in the value of the artist. That's true both for monetary value and cultural significance. Without an artist, a painting is cut adrift in a sea of images. Faced with an unknown painting, historians or collectors will often first try to establish the artist. When talking about a painting, a historian will describe the painting as it relates to the artist's life. Paintings need artists. It places them. Knowing the artist makes them accessible.
Buildings often don't have architects. Even great buildings. Even when they do. Buildings don't have plaques proclaiming their architect's name. Newspaper and magazine articles about buildings rarely mention the architect (excepting architecture critics, of course). Articles regularly omit the name of the architect, even when the architect is well known. Buildings need occupants; not architects. Perhaps omitting the architect makes them more accessible?
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