The entire vitality of art depends upon its being either full of truth, or full of use; and that, however pleasant, wonderful, or impressive it may be in itself, it must yet be of inferior kind, and tend to deeper inferiority, unless it has clearly one of these main objects, - either to state a true thing, or to adorn a serviceable one.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Art must serve a purpose by conveying truth or utility to have real value.
- In plain terms
- Art is only valuable if it tells the truth or is useful.
- What can you take from it?
- Art should serve truth or practical utility.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does your creative work serve a purpose?
- How do you define value in art?
Another view
Purely decorative art can still bring beauty without explicit utility.
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