Accomplished Quote by Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel
“In the ancients, one sees the accomplished letter of entire poetry: in the moderns, one has the presentiment of the spirit in becoming.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Athenaeum, 1798
The quote contrasts ancient poetry’s perfect form with modern art’s fleeting spiritual hint, suggesting a shift from fixed mastery to evolving feeling.
In simple terms: Ancient art was perfect; modern art feels spiritual.
Appreciate both tradition and innovation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- museum curation
- creative writing
- art education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does modern art retain ancient influences?
- What does “presentiment of the spirit” mean today?
May overlook the continuity between past and present.