Art Quote by W. H. Auden
“When one looks into the window of a store which sells devotional art objects, one can't help wishing the iconoclasts had won.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Poetry, 1939
The desire for radical change clashes with the comfort of tradition in religious art markets.
In simple terms: People wish for revolutionary change but settle for familiar icons.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the tension between tradition and innovation.
Themes
tradition
iconoclasm
art market
religion
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- museum curators
- religious communities
- art collectors
- political activists
Key Concepts
cultural critique
aesthetic values
Questions to Reflect On
- What role should tradition play in modern society?
- How can we balance reverence and reform?
A Different Perspective
The quote may romanticize destruction without addressing practical consequences.
