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Art Quote by Edith Wharton

“There are only four great arts: music, painting, sculpture, and ornamental pastry - architecture being the least banal derivative of the latter.” quote by Edith Wharton
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““There are only four great arts: music, painting, sculpture, and ornamental pastry - architecture being the least banal derivative of the latter.””

Edith Wharton

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Art of Living, 1923

She ranks arts, noting architecture as a derivative of decorative arts.

In simple terms: Architecture derives from decorative arts.

Key Takeaway

Appreciate the hierarchy of creative fields.

Themes

art creativity hierarchy

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

literary critical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • career choice
  • art criticism

Key Concepts

aesthetics design theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does architecture influence daily life?
  • Can decorative arts inspire functional design?
A Different Perspective

May dismiss architecture's originality.

3.9 out of 5 (6 ratings)

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