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Age Quote by Hermann Broch

“If the embodiment of the fundamental idea of our age were to be found in Victorian architecture, in the Church of Cristo Re in Rome or the Church in Brasilia, in Moscow University or the Capitol in Washington, then our age would undoubtedly be called the 'age of kitsch.'” quote by Hermann Broch
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“If the embodiment of the fundamental idea of our age were to be found in Victorian architecture, in the Church of Cristo Re in Rome or the Church in Brasilia, in Moscow University or the Capitol in Washington, then our age would undoubtedly be called the 'age of kitsch.'”

Hermann Broch

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Age of Kitsch", 1930

Modern architecture’s grandiosity reflects a superficial, kitschy aesthetic of our era.

In simple terms: Architecture shows our era’s kitsch.

Key Takeaway

Critique superficial grandeur.

Themes

architecture culture kitsch

Mood

analytical critical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • urban planning
  • art criticism
  • historical analysis
  • design education

Key Concepts

aesthetic theory modernism cultural criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does architecture reflect cultural values?
  • When does grandeur become kitsch?
A Different Perspective

Not all grand architecture is kitsch; context matters.

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