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A good taste in art feels the presence or the absence of…

“A good taste in art feels the presence or the absence of merit; a just taste discriminates the degree--the poco piu and the poco meno. A good taste rejects faults; a just taste selects excellences. A good taste is often unconscious; a just taste is always conscious. A good taste may be lowered or…” quote by Anna Brownell Jameson
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“A good taste in art feels the presence or the absence of merit; a just taste discriminates the degree--the poco piu and the poco meno. A good taste rejects faults; a just taste selects excellences. A good taste is often unconscious; a just taste is always conscious. A good taste may be lowered or spoilt; a just taste can only go on refining more and more.”

Anna Brownell Jameson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Taste involves recognizing merit and flaws; good taste is instinctive, just taste is deliberate and ever‑refining.

In simple terms: Good taste is instinctive, just taste is conscious and improves.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate conscious discernment.

Themes

aesthetics judgment refinement consciousness

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • art criticism
  • personal decision making
  • education
  • cultural analysis

Key Concepts

subjectivity evaluation self‑awareness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance instinct with conscious evaluation?
  • When does refinement become excessive?
A Different Perspective

Just taste may be hindered by bias or over‑analysis.

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