“ art is a manifestation of emotion, and emotion speaks a language that all may understand. ”
W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence (1919). copy citation
| Author | W. Somerset Maugham |
|---|---|
| Source | The Moon and Sixpence |
| Topic | understanding language |
| Date | 1919 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/222/222-h/222-h.htm |
Context
“I cannot agree with the painters who claim superciliously that the layman can understand nothing of painting, and that he can best show his appreciation of their works by silence and a cheque-book. It is a grotesque misapprehension which sees in art no more than a craft comprehensible perfectly only to the craftsman: art is a manifestation of emotion, and emotion speaks a language that all may understand. But I will allow that the critic who has not a practical knowledge of technique is seldom able to say anything on the subject of real value, and my ignorance of painting is extreme. Fortunately, there is no need for me to risk the adventure, since my friend, Mr.”
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