Artist Quote by John Galsworthy
““Some fifteen years ago in London there was an exhibition of the works of a certain sculptor, which contained many sane and admirable pieces. Two young ladies came in one day, and flitted from flower to flower with dissatisfied air, till at last one of them caught sight of a vast seated assemblage of elliptical rhomboids which was wooing the Public under the name of Venus. Before this supreme novelty she halted, if a butterfly can halt. ‘Oh, my dear,’ she said, ‘here she is! Here’s the Venus!’ And putting her head on one side, she added: ‘Isn’t she a pet?’ Such butterflies still exist and halt before the works of novelty for novelty’s sake, because they are told to by some town-crier, who must have novelty at any cost.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy, 1906
People often praise new works without genuine appreciation, simply because they are labeled as novel or fashionable.
In simple terms: Blind admiration for novelty.
Key Takeaway
Question authenticity over hype.
Themes
conformity
authenticity
art criticism
social influence
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
critical
observational
When to use this quote
- museum visits
- art reviews
- social media trends
- product launches
Key Concepts
Aesthetic judgment
cultural trends
peer pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria do you use to evaluate true merit?
- How does labeling affect your perception?
A Different Perspective
Novelty can mask lack of substance, leading to shallow appreciation.
![“Aphrodite,” [Annabeth] said. “Venus?” Hazel asked in amazement. “Mom,” Piper said with no enthusiasm. “Girls!” The goddess spread her arms like she wanted a group hug. The three demigods did not oblige. Hazel backed into a palmetto tree.” quote by Rick Riordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/684/rick-riordan-27_amazement_aphrodite-annabeth-said-venus-hazel-aske_422068.jpg)
![“The shrieks were coming from two quite naked girls, who were pursued by a pair of apes snapping at their bottoms. [...] So he now raises his double-barrelled Spanish rifle, fires and kills both apes. 'God be praised, my dear Calambo! I have delivered these two poor creatures from grave peril; if…” quote by Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9a9/voltaire-173_apes_the-shrieks-were-coming-from-two-quite-n_173005.jpg)
![“She [Evelina] is not, indeed, like most modern young ladies; to be known in half an hour; her modest worth, and fearful excellence, require both time and encouragement to show themselves.” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0e7/anonymous-1_encouragement_she-evelina-is-not-indeed-like-most-mode_35617.jpg)
![“Justice is a machine that, when someone has once given it the starting push, rolls on of itself. - John Galsworthy, Justice [1910], act II” quote by John Galsworthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eb0/john-galsworthy-4232_computers_justice-is-a-machine-that-when-someone-h_110831.jpg)
