The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote highlights the ability of art to transcend surface-level appearances and reveal deeper truths about the human experience.
Who said the quote?
The quote "The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance." was said by Aristotle (Bio / Quotes). Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and scientist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest thinkers in history.
What's the quote's message?
This quote suggests that the true purpose of art is to delve beneath the surface and express the hidden depths and essence of things. It is not solely concerned with the physical, tangible aspects of our world - the colors, shapes, and textures we can see and touch. Instead, art seeks to reveal the intangible and elusive dimensions of reality that lie beyond the reach of our senses.
It highlights the role of art as a conduit for inner exploration and expression, unearthing emotions, ideas, perspectives, and the innate truths of existence that aren't readily apparent. The outward appearance of things often only tells part of the story; it is their inward significance that gives them depth and meaning.
Just as we, as humans, are more than just our outward appearance, art aims to capture the complexity and richness of our inner selves and our experiences. This transformative potential of art allows us to connect deeply with ourselves and others, to question, understand, and express our shared human condition in all its beautiful and painful complexity.
The quote serves as a reminder for both artists and audiences to appreciate and seek out these deeper layers of understanding. It encourages us to move beyond the superficial, to probe, explore and reflect on what lies beneath, because therein lies the true essence of life. Art thus becomes a profound way of seeing, feeling, and understanding the world – it offers us glimpses into the uncharted territories of the human spirit and the world at large.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
There are numerous historical examples that illuminate the message encapsulated in this quote, which emphasizes the profound role of art in reflecting the inner essence of things beyond their superficial appearances. One vivid example can be seen in the works of renowned Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh.
Van Gogh, who lived during the late 19th century, was known for his highly emotional and innovative style of painting that was less concerned with accurately depicting reality and more focused on capturing the emotional and psychological impact of scenes and subjects. A brilliant example of this is his painting "The Starry Night" (1889).
"The Starry Night" portrays a night sky filled with swirling clouds, bright stars, and a glowing crescent moon over a quiet town. It's not a literal representation of the night sky as one would see it. Instead, it captures the essence of the night - its mystery, its beauty, and its infinity, which could also be interpreted as a reflection of van Gogh's inner emotional state.
This painting doesn't try to be an exact, realistic representation of a specific place or scene, but rather, it seeks to express the profound emotional and spiritual significance of the world as van Gogh saw and experienced it. This way, "The Starry Night" beautifully illustrates the quote "The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance."
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
The quote, "The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance," speaks to the idea that art, in its myriad forms, serves to communicate deeper truths, feelings, or ideas rather than just to reproduce the physical world.
Let's consider a real-life application of this quote through the lens of a portrait painter.
A traditional portrait artist might focus on capturing the physical likeness of the subject - the color of their eyes, the shape of their nose, or the curve of their lips. However, an artist subscribing to the ethos of this quote would aim to go beyond the surface. They would seek to convey the subject's inner world, perhaps through their expressions, the mood they set, or the details they choose to emphasize or downplay.
For instance, they might decide to paint a portrait of an elderly man not just by replicating his wrinkled skin and white hair but by emphasizing the twinkling eyes that hint at a life full of experiences, or by focusing on his hands to illustrate the hard work he's put into his life. Here, the artist is not merely painting the man's outward appearance but his inward significance.
This philosophy can be extended beyond art. In the realm of personal interactions, it could mean looking beyond people's outward behavior or appearance to understand their motives, feelings, and experiences. In terms of self-growth, it can involve introspecting to recognize our inner potential and values rather than focusing on our external achievements or failures. In essence, the quote encourages us to perceive and appreciate the depth and complexity inherent in ourselves, others, and the world at large.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
