The work examines the dual aspects of art: the substance (what is presented) and the technique (how it is executed). It argues that while critics and artists may place high value on an artist’s technical brilliance and fidelity to a refined aesthetic, the true measure of art lies in its ability to affect and engage the general public. Art is not created solely for an elite group of connoisseurs or for those steeped in technical analysis; rather, its ultimate purpose is to evoke a clear, universal response—be it applause or even vehement rejection. A theatrical example is used to illustrate this point. In a melodramatic performance featuring a decidedly villainous character, the audience’s intense emotional reaction—manifested in hissing at the actor even though his technical performance was competent—demonstrates that it is the personal, moral, and visceral response of the populace that ultimately validates and gives meaning to the work. The artist must acknowledge that art is experienced through personal associations and preconceptions, meaning that even the most finely executed work is judged by its ability to resonate on a moral and emotional level with its audience. The discussion extends to the realm of literature and other arts, asserting that the task of the artist is to communicate beauty and truth in a manner accessible to everyone, not only those with technical expertise. While technical perfection or refined form is admirable, if a work fails to move the general public, it is considered deficient in fulfilling its highest purpose. In this view, the engagement of the crowd—even with works that might appear simplistic or lacking in technical complexity—is the ultimate test of an artwork’s success. The work further challenges the notion that art should be guarded or elitist. Instead, it proposes that successful art is that which elicits a response from the masses, thereby bridging the gap between the artist’s internal vision and the public’s reception. The paradox is that while sophisticated techniques and originality are valuable, they must be coupled with the ability to communicate ideas and emotions in a readily perceivable manner. When an artist creates something that neither provokes acclaim nor dissent, despite its internal quality, it signifies a failure to captivate or communicate effectively with the public. Finally, the text posits that the evolving cultural landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for art to reach a wider audience, suggesting that even complex ideas can become universally appreciated if presented in simple, accessible forms. The artist is encouraged to study the reactions of the public, learning how the inherent beauty and truth in art can be more profoundly communicated. In sum, the work is a reflection on the necessity for art to balance technical execution with the power to engage the diverse and inherently flawed sentiments of the general audience.
By William Dean Howells · First published 1888 · Genre: Aesthetics, Literary Criticism, Art Criticism