Episode 107: Art for Arts Sake

"Art for arts sake” from French slogan “l’art pour l’art” —expresses a philosophy/concept that the intrinsic value of art, and the only “true” art, is divorced from any didactic, moral, or utilitarian function. In Greek, these works are described as autoteles (aut- + telos, meaning self + goal) or “autotelic—complete in itself.”

Whistler, Nocturne in Black and Gold, 1872-77

“Beauty is a form of Genius--is higher, indeed, than Genius, as it needs no explanation. It is one of the great facts of the world, like sunlight, or springtime, or the reflection in the dark waters of that silver shell we call the moon. It cannot be questioned. It has divine right of sovereignty. It makes princes of those who have it.” —Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde

James Abbott McNeill Whistler, The Peacock Room

Edward Burne-Jones, Golden Stairs, 1876-1880, Tate Britain

Rosetti, Lady Lilith, 1868

Soul's Beauty

Body's Beauty

We apologize for the delay in uploading this episode. We hope you enjoyed learning more about "Art for Arts Sake". Next week Lauren will be back with Julia discussing the differences between Florentine and Venetian art.