Introduction: Reflections on Art Censorship and Banning

This piece introduces the work of David Freedberg, Emily Braun, and Olaf Peters. They have each studied actions against art, both historical and contemporary, uncovering fear, hate, and harm. Each has examined the ways in which groups and governments use and abuse art to advance their own politics, purposes, and persuasions. They have explored the methods, meanings, and material results of the condemnation of art. They have made outstanding contributions to the history of fear, repression, and loss; they study the chasm between creative people and craven people.