The Clever Object presents a multidisciplinary exploration of the ways objects materialise, embody, or negotiate various forms of intelligence, revealing its use as an analytic tool of art-historical interpretation. Presents an original theory (“the clever object”) that draws on contributions from a variety of fields, including history of art, anthropology, philosophy of science, and design history Features interviews with two contemporary artists Advances a theoretical conversation by combining historical contributions (from medieval/early modern) with contemporary perspectives Represents the results of a project developed from an intensive research seminar in which all contributors participated and developed their work in evolving dialogue