Art Quote by Gerhard Richter
“Of course, pictures of objects also have this transcendental side to them. Every object, being part of an ultimately incomprehensible world, also embodies that world; when represented in a picture, the object conveys this mystery all the more powerfully, the less of a 'function' the picture has. Hence, for instance, the growing fascination of many beautiful old portraits.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Art and Perception, 2009
Images can reveal the deeper mystery of reality, especially when they serve less as functional tools and more as evocative representations.
In simple terms: Pictures can hint at the unseen world behind objects.
Seek depth beyond surface function.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- gallery visits
- photography
- portrait appreciation
- contemporary art discussion
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you experience mystery in visual art?
- When does a picture become merely decorative?
The impact depends on viewer's openness; not all viewers perceive depth.