The Subjective Nature of Art

All of the conversations in the play are sparked by a piece of modern art purchased by Serge for 200,000 francs, which is roughly $40,000 U.S. dollars. Serge believes that he has purchased the white painting at a value due to its uniqueness and famous creator. Marc scoffs at this idea and worries about the fact that his friend has done such a foolish thing, especially over a painting that is “white, on a white background.” Yvan does believe that Serge got a great deal, considering how much the painting is worth in the art world, but Yvan seems skeptical of the value placed on works of art as a whole. Each man views the value of the painting in a different way and attempts to get the others to agree with his point.

The monetary value associated with the painting is not the only...