Since the 18th century, there have been numerous theoretical attempts to define aesthetics and art as essential human attributes. However, it was not until the development of modern philosophical anthropology in the 20th century that there was success in linking together philosophical, sociological and natural science aspects into a convincing overall concept. Astonishingly, the respective reflections of two of the most profiled representatives of philosophical anthropology - Arnold Gehlen and Helmuth Plessner - have hardly been acknowledged, despite their lifelong occupations with aesthetic and art-historical questions. Michael Hog examines the complete works of both in search of the possibilities and limitations of anthropological aesthetics and an aesthetic anthropology, as well as the implications of these for modern art right up to the present time.