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Admire Quote by Ezra Pound

“Art is to be admired rather than explained. The jargon of these sculptors is beyond me. I do not precisely know why I admire a green granite, female, apparently pregnant monster with one eye going around a square corner.” quote by Ezra Pound
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“Art is to be admired rather than explained. The jargon of these sculptors is beyond me. I do not precisely know why I admire a green granite, female, apparently pregnant monster with one eye going around a square corner.”

Ezra Pound

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Cantos, 1925‑1950

Art should be appreciated for its emotional impact, not dissected analytically; the viewer’s instinctive response matters more than technical explanation.

In simple terms: Admire art, don’t over‑explain it.

Key Takeaway

Trust your feelings over analysis.

Themes

aesthetics intuition subjectivity

Mood

curious reflective

Type

philosophical appreciative

When to use this quote

  • gallery visits
  • personal reflection
  • art criticism
  • education
  • curation

Key Concepts

Modernism symbolic meaning

Questions to Reflect On

  • What feeling does the piece evoke in you?
  • How does knowing the artist’s intent change your view?
A Different Perspective

Some argue that context and technique are essential for full appreciation.

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