“A critic should be taught to criticise a work of art without making any reference to the personality of the author.”
- 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
“A critic should be taught to criticise a work of art without making any reference to the personality of the author.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde argues that a critic should focus solely on the art itself, rather than on the personality or life of the artist who created it. Wilde suggests that the value and meaning of a work of art should be evaluated independently of the artist’s identity, personal history, or character. He believes that art should be judged on its own merits—its form, content, and impact—and not clouded by preconceived notions about the artist. This approach would ensure a more objective and fair assessment of the work, rather than allowing personal biases about the artist to influence the critique.
Wilde’s perspective reflects his belief in the autonomy of art, meaning that once a work is created, it exists as a separate entity from the creator. The critic’s task, then, is to engage with the art itself, appreciating its aesthetic qualities and ideas without being distracted by the artist’s personal traits or life circumstances.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the importance of detaching art from the artist when evaluating it. It suggests that we should separate the creative process and the individual from the final product to more objectively appreciate and critique a piece of art. This approach is particularly relevant today, when artists’ personal lives are often highly publicized, and can influence how their works are perceived or valued. Wilde’s words encourage us to focus on the work itself, rather than the individual behind it, in our cultural and critical analysis.
