This book investigates the logical and philosophical justification for the critical claim that a work of art has successfully withstood the test of time. Anthony Savile, a noted philosopher of art, examines the conceptual framework behind aesthetic evaluation to determine how temporal endurance relates to artistic value. He argues that the concept of 'stature' is a distinct and necessary category for understanding art, separate from simple notions of excellence or goodness.

Experts recognize this work as a significant contribution to the philosophy of aesthetics, particularly regarding the evaluation of historical art. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which requires a strong background in philosophical terminology to fully grasp the author's arguments.