Accurate Quote by Kenneth Clark
“Only the bad artists of the nineteenth century were frightened by the invention of photography; the good ones all welcomed it and used it. Degas liked it not only because it provided an accurate record, but because the snapshot showed him a means of escape from the classical rules of design. Through it he learnt to make a composition without the use of formal symmetry.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Civilisation: The Values of Civilization, 1969
Good artists embraced photography as a tool for innovation, breaking classical constraints and expanding creative possibilities.
In simple terms: Artists used photography to innovate beyond traditional rules.
Embrace new technology to expand artistic expression.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- studio practice
- exhibition planning
- digital media
- visual storytelling
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can artists balance new tools with classic techniques?
- What limits does technology impose on creativity?
Overreliance on technology can dilute traditional skills.