What does Tolstoy say about art? A Deep Dive into the Russian Master's Philosophy
Leo Tolstoy, the towering figure of Russian literature, the author of monumental works like War and Peace and Anna Karenina, didn't just write stories; he pondered the very essence of human existence, and that included a profound and often controversial view on art. For Tolstoy, art wasn't a frivolous pastime or a mere aesthetic pursuit. He believed it was a fundamental aspect of human life, deeply intertwined with morality, religion, and our ability to connect with one another.
His most comprehensive exploration of this topic can be found in his essay, "What is Art?" Published in 1897, this work lays bare his radical ideas and challenges the prevailing notions of his time, and even many of ours today.
Tolstoy's Core Definition of Art: A Bridge of Feeling
At its heart, Tolstoy's definition of art is surprisingly simple yet profoundly significant. He argues that art is:
"a human activity consisting in this, that one man consciously, by means of certain external signs, hands on to others feelings he has experienced, and that other people are infected by these feelings and also experience them."
This is the cornerstone of his philosophy. For Tolstoy, the primary function of art is to transmit emotions. It's a form of communication, but not just of ideas or information. It's a communication of *feelings*. The artist, having experienced a particular emotion, expresses it through external means – be it words, colors, sounds, or movements. The audience, in turn, then experiences a similar emotion.
He emphasizes that this transmission must be conscious and intentional. It's not a random occurrence but a deliberate act by the artist.
The Key Ingredients of True Art
Tolstoy identified three crucial conditions that must be met for something to be considered genuine art:
- Infectiousness: The art must be able to infect the audience with the artist's feeling. This means the feeling is so powerfully conveyed that the audience feels it themselves, not just intellectually understands it.
- Clarity and Specificity: The feeling conveyed must be clear and specific. Vague or ambiguous emotions don't qualify as true art.
- Sincerity: The artist must genuinely feel the emotion they are trying to convey. If the artist is merely faking or pretending to feel, the art will lack the essential spark.
Tolstoy believed that the more intensely and sincerely the artist felt, the more vividly the feeling was expressed, and the clearer it was to others, the more successful the art would be in transmitting that feeling and thus, the more genuinely it would be art.
Tolstoy's Critique of Contemporary Art
Much of "What is Art?" is a passionate indictment of the art of his own era, which he saw as decadent, elitist, and detached from the common person. He argued that what passed for art in high society was often:
- Intellectual and Abstract: He believed that much of modern art focused on complex intellectual ideas or abstract concepts, which alienated ordinary people.
- Focused on Beauty and Form Alone: Tolstoy criticized art that prioritized aesthetic pleasure or technical skill over genuine emotional expression and moral content. He saw this as a superficial approach.
- Elitist and Exclusive: He felt that much of the art lauded by critics and patrons was only accessible and understandable to a select few, rather than being a unifying force for all of humanity.
He lamented that art had become a tool for the privileged to distinguish themselves, rather than a universal language that could bring people together. He saw a disconnect between the art produced and the lives of the majority of people.
What Kind of Art Did Tolstoy Value?
Given his stringent criteria, what kind of art did Tolstoy deem worthy and truly valuable? He looked to art that:
- Was Universally Understood: Art that appealed to the broadest possible audience, transcending class, education, and nationality.
- Communicated Simple, Profound Feelings: He championed art that expressed fundamental human emotions like love, pity, joy, and sorrow in a direct and unpretentious way.
- Had a Moral or Religious Dimension: For Tolstoy, the highest forms of art were those that contributed to the moral and spiritual well-being of humanity. He believed that true art should guide people toward higher ideals and a better understanding of life.
He often pointed to folk songs, fairy tales, and certain religious parables as examples of art that met his criteria. He also found merit in the works of artists who, in his opinion, were able to tap into these universal emotions and moral truths, even if they were not always recognized by the elite of their time.
The Role of Religion and Morality in Art
Tolstoy's views on art are inextricably linked to his spiritual and moral convictions. He believed that true art should serve a higher purpose: to unite humanity and to elevate the spirit.
He argued that art that distracts from or contradicts moral principles is not only bad art but also harmful. He felt that art should not be used to glorify war, sensual pleasure, or other destructive or selfish impulses. Instead, it should foster empathy, compassion, and a sense of shared humanity.
In his view, art that appealed to base instincts or served only to entertain the idle rich was not only worthless but actively detrimental to the moral progress of society.
Tolstoy's Impact and Legacy
Tolstoy's essay "What is Art?" was met with considerable controversy and remains a provocative text. His ideas challenged the prevailing artistic establishments of his day and continue to spark debate. While not everyone agrees with his strict definition or his dismissal of certain artistic movements, his work forces us to consider the purpose and impact of art in our lives.
He compels us to ask critical questions: Who is art for? What should art do? What is the responsibility of the artist? By dissecting art through the lens of genuine emotional transmission, universality, and moral purpose, Tolstoy offers a powerful framework for evaluating its true worth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Tolstoy define art in simple terms?
Tolstoy defined art as a way for one person to consciously share feelings they've experienced with others, and for those others to then feel those same emotions. It's like a bridge built of feelings.
Why did Tolstoy criticize so much of the art of his time?
He criticized it because he felt it was too complicated, only understandable by a few people, and focused too much on appearance rather than genuine emotional connection and moral goodness. He saw it as elitist and detached from everyday life.
What kind of art did Tolstoy believe was truly good?
He believed that the best art was simple, universally understood, and communicated deep, fundamental human emotions like love and compassion. He also felt that art should have a positive moral or spiritual impact on people.
Why was morality so important to Tolstoy's idea of art?
For Tolstoy, art had a duty to help people become better. He believed that art should encourage empathy and a sense of unity among people, leading them towards higher ideals rather than promoting selfish or destructive behaviors.
