Art Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
““I had not then acquired the technique that I flatter myself now enables me to deal competently with the works of modern artist. If this were the place I could write a very neat little guide to enable the amateur of pictures to deal to the satisfaction of their painters with the most diverse manifestations of the creative instinct. There is the intense ‘By God!’ that acknowledges the power of the ruthless realist, the ‘It’s so awfully sincere’ that covers your embarrassment when you are shown the coloured photograph of an alderman’s widow, the low whistle that exhibits your admiration for the post-impressionist, the ‘Terribly amusing’ that expresses what you feel about the cubist, the ‘Oh!’ of one who is overcome, the ‘Ah!’ of him whose breath is taken away.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Fiction, 1920
The speaker reflects on the difficulty of interpreting modern art and the varied emotional reactions it provokes.
In simple terms: Modern art triggers many feelings that are hard to explain.
Key Takeaway
Learn to name and understand your reactions to art.
Themes
art appreciation
interpretation
emotion
modernism
Mood
thoughtful
curious
Type
analytical
reflective
When to use this quote
- gallery visits
- art classes
- personal reflection
- creative writing
Key Concepts
aesthetic judgment
subjectivity
cultural context
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you label your immediate feelings toward a painting?
- Can you separate personal taste from broader artistic trends?
A Different Perspective
The guide may oversimplify complex personal responses.
