Skip to content

In our time there are many artists who do something…

“In our time there are many artists who do something because it is new; they see their value and their justification in this newness. They are deceiving themselves; novelty is seldom the essential. This has to do with one thing only; making a subject better from its intrinsic nature.” quote by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Download Open image
“In our time there are many artists who do something because it is new; they see their value and their justification in this newness. They are deceiving themselves; novelty is seldom the essential. This has to do with one thing only; making a subject better from its intrinsic nature.”

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

About This Quote

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

Artists who chase novelty often mistake newness for value, neglecting deeper improvement of the subject itself.

In simple terms: Newness isn’t true value; real art improves its subject.

Key Takeaway

Focus on intrinsic improvement, not just being different.

Themes

art creativity authenticity

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • gallery exhibitions
  • creative projects
  • product design
  • advertising campaigns

Key Concepts

aesthetic value intrinsic merit

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you assess whether a change truly enhances a subject?
  • What standards guide authentic improvement?
A Different Perspective

Novelty can distract from substance, leading to shallow work.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Explore all 29 Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec quotes

More Art quotes

Browse all 48,643 Art quotes