Of course, we need not be surprised if artistic excellence…
“Of course, we need not be surprised if artistic excellence goes unrecognized on account of being unknown; but there should be the greatest indignation when, as often, good judges are flattered by the charm of social entertainments into an approbation which is a mere a pretence.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Artistic merit often goes unnoticed when unknown, yet critics may be swayed by popular appeal rather than true quality.
In simple terms: Good art can be ignored; critics may favor popular trends.
Seek authentic evaluation over popularity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- gallery openings
- award ceremonies
- media reviews
- academic conferences
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we separate genuine quality from hype?
- What mechanisms can protect artistic integrity?
Popularity can distort true merit, leading to misjudgment.