Body Quote by Kenneth Clark
“The nude gains its enduring value from the fact that it reconciles several contrary states. It takes the most sensual and immediately interesting object, the human body, and puts it out of reach of time and desire; it takes the most purely rational concept of which mankind is capable, mathematical order, and makes it a delight to the senses; and it takes the vague fears of the unknown and sweetens them by showing that the gods are like men and may be worshiped for their life-giving beauty rather than their death-dealing powers.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Civilisation, Kenneth Clark, 1969
The nude endures by uniting sensuality, rational order, and mystery, making the human form timeless and divine.
In simple terms: Nude art blends beauty, logic, and mystery for lasting appeal.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate how art merges feeling, reason, and the unknown.
Themes
art
beauty
philosophy
timelessness
Mood
contemplative
reverent
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- museum visits
- art education
- personal reflection
- creative inspiration
Key Concepts
aesthetics
mathematics
mythology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view change your perception of classical sculpture?
- What emotions arise when rationality meets sensuality?
A Different Perspective
May overlook cultural context or diverse perspectives on the nude.
![“I've used the Phoenix Centrifuge to replicate what the body's going to go through on the flight up. I've also done some gravity tests with ZERO-G [a charter-flight service in Arlington, Va., that uses modified Boeing 727s to simulate weightlessness], which went great.” quote by Richard Branson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aa1/richard-branson-256_adventure_i-ve-used-the-phoenix-centrifuge-to-repl_903.jpg)
