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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…” quote by Kenneth Clark
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“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.”

Kenneth Clark

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.

Key Takeaway

Embrace new technology to expand artistic expression.

Themes

art innovation technology creativity photography

Mood

reflective inspirational thoughtful

Type

artistic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • studio practice
  • exhibition planning
  • digital media
  • visual storytelling

Key Concepts

modernism visual perception artistic freedom

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can artists balance new tools with classic techniques?
  • What limits does technology impose on creativity?
A Different Perspective

Overreliance on technology can dilute traditional skills.

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