This book examines the artistic profession, which can be a challenge to characterize. Various fields of artistic work are coupled with a range of different artistic attitudes, and these, in turn, with a variety of social positions assumed by artists, various historical conditions in which the profession functions, as well as the diverse courses of artistic careers. There are those who say that this profession is not an occupation, but a vocation of an almost mystical nature. Yet, it is still tempting to examine the phenomenon of the artist, at least to the extent that it is possible in light...