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Artist Quote by Oscar Wilde

“Nearly always in Dutch painting and often in the works of Giorgione or Titian, it is entirely independent of anything definitely poetical in the subject, a kind of form and choice in workmanship which is itself entirely satisfying, and is (as the Greeks would say) an end in itself.” quote by Oscar Wilde
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““Nearly always in Dutch painting and often in the works of Giorgione or Titian, it is entirely independent of anything definitely poetical in the subject, a kind of form and choice in workmanship which is itself entirely satisfying, and is (as the Greeks would say) an end in itself.””

Oscar Wilde

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Decay of Lying, Oscar Wilde, 1891

Wilde praises the aesthetic value of painting that exists for its own sake, independent of narrative or moral meaning.

In simple terms: Art can be valuable just by being beautiful.

Key Takeaway

Appreciate art for its form, not just its story.

Themes

aesthetics art criticism beauty

Mood

contemplative appreciative

Type

critical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • museum visits
  • art education
  • personal reflection
  • creative inspiration

Key Concepts

form autonomy visual pleasure

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes a painting purely aesthetic?
  • How does form influence emotion?
A Different Perspective

May overlook deeper cultural context or message.

3.2 out of 5 (7 ratings)

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