Tolstoy believes that art should convey the same feeling to all who receive it. If a man makes a piece to convey a sad emotion and the general public feel sad when they look at it then that is true art. Tolstoy had three qualifications in order for something to be called art. “On the greater or lesser individuality of the feeling transmitted. On the greater or lesser clearness with which the feeling is transmitted. On the sincerity of the artist, i.e., on the greater or lesser force with which the artist himself feels the emotion he transmits.” (Tolstoy Paragraph 30)
With these three qualifications, the quality of art can be judged. If an art piece only meets two of the qualifications then that piece is less then that of a piece that is sincere, unique and clear. The feelings that the art conveys do not matter since they can be both good and bad feelings.
Tolstoy sets a good outline and has a good argument as to why his method of judging art is correct. I believe that every person who judges art has there own way of looking at it. Tolstoy sets a general outline of what to look at when judging art and I think it is brilliant. I do not however believe it is the only way art can be viewed. Since we all have different experiences that make us become who we are. then we all look at art based on those experiences.
contobe 