Art Quote by Ben Shahn
“A work of art rests its merits in traditional qualities. It may constitute a remarkable feat in craftsmanship; it may be a searching study of psychological states; it may be a nostalgic glance backward; it may be any one of an infinite number of concepts, none of which may have any possible bearing upon its degree of newness.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Art and Its Merit, 1940s
Art's value lies in its traditional qualities and varied concepts, not necessarily in novelty.
In simple terms: Art is judged by its qualities, not its newness.
Key Takeaway
Focus on depth over novelty.
Themes
art
craftsmanship
psychology
nostalgia
concepts
Mood
contemplative
analytical
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- gallery c
- art criticism
- museum curation
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Aesthetic theory
creative evaluation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess art beyond its freshness?
- What traditional qualities matter most to you?
A Different Perspective
Novelty alone does not guarantee artistic merit.
