Art Quote by Gustave Flaubert
“There are neither good nor bad subjects. From the point of view of pure Art, you could almost establish it as an axiom that the subject is irrelevant, style itself being an absolute manner of seeing things.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On Art and Subjectivity, 1850s
The passage argues that, from a pure artistic perspective, subjects are irrelevant and style alone defines perception, treating style as an absolute way of seeing.
In simple terms: Art should focus on style, not subject matter.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize stylistic expression over content.
Themes
art
style
subjectivity
perception
philosophy
Mood
analytical
thought‑provoking
Type
critical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- painting
- writing
- film criticism
- design
- education
Key Concepts
aesthetic theory
ontology
Questions to Reflect On
- Can style alone convey meaning?
- How does subject influence viewer interpretation?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring subject can limit narrative depth.
