Art Quote by Oscar Wilde
““This is that CONSOLATION DES ARTS which is the key-note of Gautier’s poetry, the secret of modern life foreshadowed - as indeed what in our century is not? - by Goethe. You remember what he said to the German people: ‘Only have the courage,’ he said, ‘to give yourselves up to your impressions, allow yourselves to be delighted, moved, elevated, nay instructed, inspired for something great.’ The courage to give yourselves up to your impressions: yes, that is the secret of the artistic life - for while art has been defined as an escape from the tyranny of the senses, it is an escape rather from the tyranny of the soul. But only to those who worship her above all things does she ever reveal her true treasure: else will she be as powerless to aid you as the mutilated Venus of the Louvre was before the romantic but sceptical nature of Heine.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Consolation, 1890, Publication
Wilde praises artistic courage to embrace impressions, seeing art as a soul‑liberating force beyond sensory tyranny.
In simple terms: Art thrives when we surrender to feelings, freeing the soul.
Key Takeaway
Embrace artistic inspiration.
Themes
art
philosophy
creativity
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- literary criticism
- creative practice
- mindful observation
Key Concepts
aesthetic experience
personal growth
spiritual freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- How does surrendering to impressions enhance creativity?
- Can art be both escape and empowerment?
A Different Perspective
Art may alienate those uninterested in deep feeling.
