Grant that the true organ with which the beautiful is…
“Grant that the true organ with which the beautiful is apprehended is the imagination, and it follows that all arts are likely to affect the feelings indirectly.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Hanslick argues imagination is the true organ for perceiving beauty, and that arts affect feelings indirectly through it.
In simple terms: Imagination perceives beauty; arts influence feelings indirectly.
Engage imagination to appreciate art.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- creative practice
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does imagination shape artistic experience?
- Can art affect feelings without imagination?
Some view art as directly emotional.