“Art is not a handicraft, it is the transmission of feeling the artist has experienced.”
- September 9, 1828 – November 20, 1910
- Born in Russia
- Writer, philosopher
- Wrote masterpieces such as “War and Peace,” “Anna Karenina,” and “Ivan the Fool,” and had a major impact not only on literature but also on politics and society.
Quote
“Art is not a handicraft, it is the transmission of feeling the artist has experienced.”
Explanation
In this quote, Leo Tolstoy distinguishes true art from mere technical skill or handicraft. He argues that art is not just about creating something beautiful or impressive through craftsmanship, but rather about conveying the emotional and experiential depth of the artist. According to Tolstoy, the core of art lies in the expression and transmission of the artist’s feelings—it is through this emotional connection that art has the power to resonate with others. True art, in Tolstoy’s view, allows the artist to share their inner world and emotions with the audience, creating a shared experience that transcends individual circumstances.
This perspective on art remains highly relevant today, as modern society often emphasizes the technical aspects of artistic creation, such as skill or originality, over the emotional connection that art fosters. For instance, in today’s art world, there may be a focus on innovation, style, or concept rather than on the emotional depth or authenticity behind the work. Tolstoy’s view invites us to consider art not merely as an object or an aesthetic experience but as a powerful medium of communication, where the artist’s feelings and the audience’s emotional responses are intertwined.
Tolstoy’s own life and work were deeply influenced by his belief in the moral and emotional power of art. In his later years, he rejected much of the conventional art of his time, which he saw as disconnected from moral or spiritual truths. Tolstoy believed that true art should serve a higher purpose—to uplift, to inspire, and to connect people on a deeper emotional and spiritual level. This quote reflects his belief that art, at its best, is not just a craft or a decoration, but a means of sharing profound human experiences and emotions across time and space.
