“It is only an auctioneer who can equally and impartially admire all schools of art.”
- October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900
- Irish
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels, plays, and poems such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “Salome,” he had a great influence on British literature in the late 19th century through his witty social criticism and humor.
Quote
“It is only an auctioneer who can equally and impartially admire all schools of art.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde humorously critiques the mercenary and unbiased perspective of an auctioneer, who is able to appreciate and admire all forms of art equally—regardless of quality, style, or historical significance—because their interest lies not in artistic value or aesthetic judgment, but in the market value. An auctioneer, whose primary concern is the sale and profit from art, will admire any work of art simply for its potential monetary worth, regardless of its cultural significance or artistic merit. Wilde’s remark is a satirical commentary on the commercialization of art, where objective or subjective assessments of artistic value are often overshadowed by the financial considerations of the market.
This quote reflects Wilde’s broader critique of the art world and society’s fixation on materialism, where true artistic appreciation can sometimes be compromised by the desire for profit. Wilde uses the auctioneer as a symbol of detachment from the aesthetic qualities of art, focusing instead on its transactional value.
In modern contexts, this quote can be interpreted as a critique of how art is sometimes treated as a commodity rather than as a form of self-expression or cultural significance. Wilde’s words encourage us to think about the true value of art and whether monetary concerns are overshadowing its intrinsic qualities. It serves as a reminder that genuine admiration for art should not be based solely on its marketability or potential for profit.
