What is Art? - Classic Text | Alexandria
What is Art?, a treatise by Leo Tolstoy, stands as both a radical critique of aesthetic philosophy and a passionate argument for the social function of art. More than a mere definition, it is an invitation to reconsider art's purpose, challenging conventional notions of beauty and genius. Is art simply what elites deem it to be, or does it possess a more profound, universal significance?
Tolstoy's ideas, published in 1896, were the culmination of years of intellectual wrestling. Hints of his evolving perspective can be found in his personal diaries from the 1870s. The late 19th century was an era of immense social upheaval in Russia. Serfdom had been abolished, but deep inequalities persisted. Artistic movements like Aestheticism, emphasizing "art for art's sake," flourished even as widespread poverty and social unrest cast a dark shadow. This backdrop fueled Tolstoy's search for an art that served not just the privileged few but all of humanity.
Tolstoy argued that true art communicates feeling, infecting the audience with the emotions experienced by the artist. He dismissed much of what was considered great art in his time as counterfeit – elaborate works that appealed to vanity or boredom rather than genuine emotion. His radical stance led him to praise peasant folk songs above Shakespearean tragedies, a declaration that sparked controversy and debate. His concept of "religious perception" – a shared understanding of life's meaning – further complicates his theory, suggesting that art should promote unity and brotherhood. Could art truly unite, or is it inevitably a reflection of social divisions?
Today, What is Art? continues to provoke thought. It is praised for its moral commitment and critiqued for its seeming narrow definition of quality. Contemporary artists and critics grapple with its concepts. Tolstoy's emphasis on sincerity resonates with movements that value authenticity. His critique of elitism can be seen in modern debates about cultural appropriation. As we navigate an era of digital art and ever-evolving aesthetics, Tolstoy's challenge remains surprisingly relevant: what emotions does art inspire, and whom does it truly serve? Is art a means of unification, as Tolstoy hoped, or is its power more complex and perhaps more dangerous?