Art Quote by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
““The chances are that, being a woman, young, And pure, with such a pair of large, calm eyes, You write as well...and ill...upon the whole, As other women. If as well, what then? If even a little better,..still, what then? We want the Best in art now, or no art." (L144-149)””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Aurora Leigh, 1850
The speaker questions whether a woman's gender, youth, and purity should limit expectations of her artistic talent, demanding excellence regardless of identity.
In simple terms: Talent should be judged by quality, not gender.
Key Takeaway
Demand excellence, not excuses.
Themes
gender
artistic standards
expectations
women's rights
Mood
determined
critical
hopeful
Type
literary
feminist
reflective
When to use this quote
- publishing
- teaching
- art criticism
- personal development
Key Concepts
feminist critique
literary analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we ensure artistic merit is evaluated fairly?
- What structures reinforce gendered expectations?
A Different Perspective
Societal bias may still undervalue women's work despite talent.
