“Honor Thine Author”

Abstract

This article examines the challenges faced by the professional translator of art texts today. Art writing tends to go beyond simple factual accounts of art and often includes complicated passages of fiction and excursions into scientific and philosophical explanations, and may be intended as an artistic form of expression in its own right. Translators not only translate texts from one language into another but are also asked to edit texts written in English by non-native speakers. Drawing on her own experience as a professional art translator, Elliott offers pertinent insights into the responsibilities of the translator vis-à-vis the author. Whether translating or editing, the art translator stands at the center of a web of different interests and has to balance the concerns of a wide range of people involved in the act of translation, including the artist, author, curator, sponsor, publisher, and editor.