"A work of art that contains theories is like an object on which the price tag has been left"
- Alexander Pope
About this Quote
Alexander Pope's quote is a metaphor for how a work of art that contains theories can be seen as a product. He is recommending that when a work of art includes theories, it can be seen as something that has a price attached to it. This suggests that the theories consisted of within the artwork can be seen as something that can be bought and offered, and that the worth of the work of art is identified by the theories it consists of. This metaphor can be seen as a criticism of the commodification of art, and how theories can be utilized to determine the value of a masterpiece. It also recommends that the theories contained within an artwork can be utilized to control its worth, which the theories can be used to increase the price of the work of art. Ultimately, Pope's quote is a caution against the commodification of art, and how theories can be utilized to manipulate its worth.