“#28. If a man is infected by the author’s condition of soul, if he feels this emotion and this union with others, then the object which has effected this is art; but if there be no such infection, if there be not this union with the author and with others who are moved by the same work – then it is not art. And not only is infection a sure sign of art, but the degree of infectiousness is also the sole measure of excellence in art.”
Background:
Wise Thoughts And Poppycock 
Well….. definitely a startling painting. But not one that is completely unpalatable for me. By just looking at the painting there is a clear feeling: horror. But then I wonder “Is the father afraid?” the big question is obviously why? Before watching the video, I can see how closing this piece of art may fit into some characteristics of Tolstoy’s definition of art, but I think due to the fact that the intention of the artist is not clear it would fail his test of art. I did very much enjoy the video that accompanied the photo, it did a great job at including the background/history. This makes for a very interesting topic! I wish you did include some of your own thoughts and feelings on the piece!
LikeLike
I feel that the intention of the artist is pretty palatable in my opinion. The intention is to illustrate the fear and desperation the artist himself was feeling while painting this, which can be deduced from the fact that he painted this in his dining room only for himself. I believe that when Tolstoy talks about intention, there doesn’t need to be a specific message, but a purpose behind the art. Art that appeals to people and conveys a strong emotion/intention behind that emotion is art according to Tolstoy, and I feel this painting does this pretty well.
LikeLike