Taste

Definition

Taste refers to the individual or collective preferences and judgments regarding art and aesthetics, shaping how artworks are appreciated and critiqued. It is influenced by cultural, social, and historical contexts, as well as personal experiences, allowing for varying opinions on what is considered beautiful or valuable in art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Enlightenment, taste became a significant topic in art criticism, as thinkers sought to define standards for beauty and excellence in art.
2. Neoclassical artists emphasized reason and clarity in their works, reflecting a taste that valued moral themes and classical ideals.
3. The notion of taste in this period was often tied to social class, with the elite dictating what was fashionable or worthy in the art world.
4. Critics like Denis Diderot helped shape public taste by publishing reviews that reflected contemporary values and aesthetics.
5. Taste has evolved over time, leading to ongoing debates about the democratization of art and who gets to decide what is considered 'good' or 'bad' art.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of taste evolve during the Enlightenment and Neoclassical periods?
  • The concept of taste during the Enlightenment was influenced by rationalism and a desire for order, with critics emphasizing clear forms and moral content in art. Neoclassical artists responded to these ideals by drawing from classical antiquity, promoting a refined aesthetic that appealed to intellectual sensibilities. This evolution marked a shift from personal or subjective tastes toward more collective judgments informed by cultural values and intellectual discourse.
• In what ways did social class impact notions of taste during the Enlightenment and Neoclassical eras?
  • Social class significantly impacted notions of taste during these periods, as the elite often dictated what was considered fashionable or acceptable in art. Wealthy patrons supported artists who aligned with their tastes, creating a hierarchy where certain styles and subjects were favored. This led to a distinction between high art appreciated by aristocrats and more accessible forms of art that resonated with the lower classes, resulting in ongoing discussions about inclusivity in artistic expression.
• Evaluate the role of critics like Denis Diderot in shaping public taste during the Enlightenment. How did their influence affect contemporary artistic practices?
  • Critics such as Denis Diderot played a crucial role in shaping public taste by articulating standards for evaluating art through detailed reviews that reflected Enlightenment values. Their writings not only informed audiences about new works but also encouraged artists to adhere to or challenge prevailing aesthetic norms. As a result, Diderot's influence led to greater awareness of artistic merit, promoting an environment where artists had to consider public opinion alongside their creative visions, thereby impacting contemporary artistic practices.

Related terms

Aesthetic: Aesthetic pertains to the principles of beauty and artistic taste, often focusing on the nature of art and its appreciation.

Canon: The canon refers to a collection of works deemed to be the most important or exemplary in a particular field, shaping standards of taste over time.

Critique: Critique is a detailed analysis and assessment of a work of art, reflecting personal or collective tastes and contributing to the discourse on art evaluation.