The Decline of Art Standards: From Renaissance to Modern Art

The Evolution of Artistic Standards Through the Ages

For centuries, the art world reveled in the beauty and excellence of works by masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Bierstadt. Their creations, like The Mona Lisa, The Pieta, and The Rocky Mountains, not only enriched Western society but also set benchmarks of artistic excellence. These artists were part of a lineage that continuously sought to surpass the achievements of their predecessors, aspiring for the highest quality attainable in their work. However, as we transitioned into the 20th century, a significant shift occurred in the art world, marking a departure from the pursuit of beauty and excellence towards a new paradigm characterized by novelty, difference, and often, ugliness.

The Rise of Modernism and Aesthetic Relativism

The late 19th century saw the emergence of The Impressionists, who challenged the classical standards set by the French Academie des Beaux-Arts. This rebellion, while initially producing work of genuine merit by artists like Monet, Renoir, and Degas, gradually led to a decline in artistic standards. The notion of aesthetic relativism, which posits that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder,' began to take root, undermining the idea of universal standards of quality in art. This shift paved the way for a world where personal expression took precedence over disciplined design and execution.

The Consequences of Eroded Artistic Standards

The absence of universal aesthetic standards has led to a contemporary art scene where the silly, the pointless, and the purely offensive are often celebrated. Examples abound, from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's 340-ton rock installation to artworks fashioned with cow dung and pornographic images. This decline begs the question: how can we measure quality in art? The challenge to this question often comes from a place of resistance or ridicule towards the idea of objective measures of artistic worth.

The Test of Quality

To illustrate the impact of eroded standards, consider the exercise with graduate students analyzing a Jackson Pollock painting, only to learn it's a close-up of a studio apron. This example highlights the difficulty in distinguishing between genuine art and mere imitation when objective standards are absent. The question of who determines quality becomes paramount, drawing parallels to other fields where expertise and objective criteria are recognized and valued.

The Role of the Art Community

The decline in art quality and subject matter is not solely the fault of artists; it also lies with the art community, including museum heads, gallery owners, and critics, who champion and financially support the production of what many consider to be substandard art. This has led to a proliferation of art that prioritizes shock value over visual excellence, often at the expense of scenes of substance and integrity.

Taking a Stand Against Declining Art Standards

Despite the prevailing trends, we are not helpless observers of the decline in art standards. By choosing the art we patronize and support, we can influence the market and advocate for a return to objective standards. Organizations like The Art Renewal Center and initiatives to teach classical art appreciation in schools represent steps towards restoring the value of excellence in the art world.

Conclusion

The journey from the Renaissance to modern art has been marked by significant shifts in the way art is perceived and valued. While the early rebels against classical standards brought fresh perspectives to the art world, the ensuing decline in objective measures of quality has led to a landscape where the merits of art are often debated. By championing a return to excellence and supporting art that adheres to universal standards of beauty, we can help ensure that future generations inherit a rich and inspiring cultural heritage.

For a deeper understanding of this topic, watch the original video by Prager University: The Decline of Art Standards.