.jpeg)
.jpeg)
What Is Art? Book by Leo Tolstoy | PDF
Reviews
No review yet. Be the first to review this book!
Description
What Is Art? is a philosophical treatise by Leo Tolstoy, in which he digs into the very essence and definition of the nature, purpose, and significance of art. In this signature work, Tolstoy espouses the unmistakable view that great art should be understandable and meaningful to all people, not accessible to some elite class only. He defines art as that form of communication through which the feelings and thoughts of the artist are presented to the audience for their mutual understanding and empathy. Tolstoy did find fault with the popular art of his time, which he believed only infrequently achieved this true communion and was in fact meant for and dedicated to superficial or self-serving values. He affirms that the function of art is to contribute toward moral and spiritual development, inspiring truthfulness and honesty. Accordingly, Tolstoy attempts to redefine the role of art in society in conformity with his idealistic view of art itself as reflecting and amplifying human nature.