Brown Quote by William Blake
“To my eye Rubens' colouring is most contemptible. His shadows are a filthy brown somewhat the colour of excrement.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, 1790
Blake criticizes Rubens' use of dark, dirty tones, deeming them vulgar and morally repulsive.
In simple terms: Rubens' dark colors are offensive to Blake.
Key Takeaway
Question artistic choices critically.
Themes
art criticism
aesthetic standards
moral judgment
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
aesthetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- art education
- gallery curation
- creative workshops
- personal art practice
Key Concepts
color theory
historical context
personal taste
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you judge art by personal morals?
- How do you define “contemptible” in art?
A Different Perspective
Subjective taste varies; others may value Rubens' depth.
