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
To say the word Romanticism is to say modern art - that is, intimacy, spirituality, color, aspiration towards the infinite, expressed by every means available to the arts.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Romanticism embodies the essence of modern art through deep emotional expression and spiritual aspiration.
In this quote, Baudelaire connects the concept of Romanticism with modern art, emphasizing how this artistic movement encapsulates intimacy, spirituality, and a yearning for the infinite. He suggests that these themes are vital to artistic expression, allowing artists to use various means to convey profound emotions and aspirations, ultimately redefining what art can represent.
Themes
RomanticismModern ArtIntimacySpiritualityColorAspiration
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the evolution of artistic movements in a classroom setting.
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.
Charles BaudelaireRead
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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