The terms "potential" and "potentiation" encapsulate two aspects that describe both the theoretical work of artists and the art-historical work concerning this theory production. The potential of artistic theory for art history becomes evident at the moment one agrees that the frequently used juxtaposition of artistic theory and practice is unconvincing, as theory can be part of an artistic practice and artistic practice can, in turn, carry theoretical impetus. The potentiation of artistic theory refers to the fact that the intertwining of theory and practice has itself become an artistic format throughout modernity, particularly after 1960. The essays gathered here discuss these phenomena and the challenges of engaging with artistic theory—a fundamental methodological question in art history. They examine exemplary artistic positions from the classical modern period to contemporary art in this context.