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The paintings that laughed at him merrily from the walls…

“The paintings that laughed at him merrily from the walls were like nothing he had ever seen or dreamed of. Gone were the flat, thin surfaces. Gone was the sentimental sobriety. Gone was the brown gravy in which Europe had been bathing its pictures for centuries. Here were pictures riotously mad…” quote by Irving Stone
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“The paintings that laughed at him merrily from the walls were like nothing he had ever seen or dreamed of. Gone were the flat, thin surfaces. Gone was the sentimental sobriety. Gone was the brown gravy in which Europe had been bathing its pictures for centuries. Here were pictures riotously mad with the sun. With light and air and throbbing vivacity. Paintings of ballet girls backstage, done in primitive reds, greens, and blues thrown next to each other irreverantly. He looked at the signature. Degas.”

Irving Stone

About This Quote

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

The passage celebrates a revolutionary shift in art, rejecting old, restrained styles for vivid, chaotic, and lively expression.

In simple terms: New art breaks old rules with bright, lively colors.

Key Takeaway

Embrace bold, unconventional creativity.

Themes

art innovation expression rebellion vividness

Mood

excited reverent rebellious

Type

descriptive inspirational

When to use this quote

  • gallery visits
  • art education
  • creative projects
  • design work
  • personal décor

Key Concepts

modernism color theory visual impact

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does breaking artistic conventions affect viewer perception?
  • What risks accompany radical artistic change?
A Different Perspective

May alienate traditional audiences accustomed to classic aesthetics.

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