Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 8

Art - Essay Example In this definition, art was now seen as a means of livelihood but still possesses skill which is in line with the 12th century definition. There was a change in attitude during the age of enlightenment in the 18th century, and art was defined as â€Å"a pursuit or occupation in which skill is directed toward the ratification of taste or production of what is beautiful†. This means that the artist should aim to produce his or her piece into something that is beautiful. In this century we can now hear that art is now associated with beauty, taste and elegance. In the 18th century, artists such as Fragonard, Gainsborough, Tiepolo and writers elevated their social status in the community because of the development of these new standards. Matthew Arnold a British poet stated in the 19th century that â€Å"we mean by art not merely an aim to please, but also pure and faultless workmanship†. What Arnold means by this is that artists should exhibit skill in their work of art wh ich he referred to as â€Å"pure and faultless workmanship† as stated above, but will also aim to create something that is of aesthetic beauty. Arnold was being defensive on this well established idea that artist should exhibit skill because he reaffirms the idea of the Avante Grade that the artist should be the center of what art is. In this century artists were viewed as prophets of the new cultural ideas which are taking more extensive liberties to the idea of technique, subject matter and interpretation. Avant Garde is a group of people who are active in invention and applying new techniques in a given field such as arts. The Avant Garde artists that is possessing creative talents are separated from the ordinary mortals and were viewed as a special and sublime class of people. Due to Avant Garde’s role in art, artist introduced a myth that before great artists gets fully appreciated they have to die. This is because these artists are so great that their