That which is not slightly distorted lacks sensible appeal; from which it follows that irregularity β that is to say, the unexpected, surprise and astonishment, are a essential part and characteristic of beauty.
Charles BaudelaireRead
In our corruption we perceive beauties unrevealed to ancient times.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that modern perspectives reveal new forms of beauty that were not recognized in the past.
Charles Baudelaire's quote highlights the idea that contemporary society, with all its flaws and corruption, allows us to see and appreciate forms of beauty that were previously hidden. This reflects a dynamic relationship between art and the context in which it exists, implying that each era has its unique lens through which beauty can be interpreted, often shaped by the complexities of the time.
Themes
BeautyCorruptionModernismPerceptionArt
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about the evolution of art over time and how societal changes influence artistic expression.
More from Charles Baudelaire
All quotes βThe dance can reveal everything mysterious that is hidden in music, and it has the additional merit of being human and palpable. Dancing is poetry with arms and legs.
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Who among us has not dreamt, in moments of ambition, of the miracle of a poetic prose, musical without rhythm and rhyme, supple and staccato enough to adapt to the lyrical stirrings of the soul, the undulations of dreams, and sudden leaps of consciousness.
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There is no sweeter pleasure than to surprise a man by giving him more than he hopes for.
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The priest is an immense being because he makes the crowd believe astonishing things.
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I consider it useless and tedious to represent what exists, because nothing that exists satisfies me. Nature is ugly, and I prefer the monsters of my fancy to what is positively trivial.
Charles BaudelaireRead
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