That which is not slightly distorted lacks sensible appeal; from which it follows that irregularity β that is to say, the unexpected, surprise and astonishment, are a essential part and characteristic of beauty.
Charles BaudelaireRead
What could be more simple and more complex, more obvious and more profound than a portrait.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A portrait represents both simplicity and complexity in art, revealing deep truths about its subject.
In this quote, Charles Baudelaire highlights the dual nature of portraits, emphasizing that while they appear straightforward as visual representations, they simultaneously encompass profound depths of meaning and emotion. A portrait is not just a mere likeness; it captures the essence of the individual and evokes interpretations that can be both simple and intricate, making it a powerful form of artistic expression.
Themes
PortraitArtComplexitySimplicityExpression
In practice
Example use cases
In an art class discussing the meaning of portraits, this quote by Baudelaire can stimulate conversation about the intricacies of artistic representation.
More from Charles Baudelaire
All quotes βThe dance can reveal everything mysterious that is hidden in music, and it has the additional merit of being human and palpable. Dancing is poetry with arms and legs.
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Who among us has not dreamt, in moments of ambition, of the miracle of a poetic prose, musical without rhythm and rhyme, supple and staccato enough to adapt to the lyrical stirrings of the soul, the undulations of dreams, and sudden leaps of consciousness.
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There is no sweeter pleasure than to surprise a man by giving him more than he hopes for.
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The priest is an immense being because he makes the crowd believe astonishing things.
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I consider it useless and tedious to represent what exists, because nothing that exists satisfies me. Nature is ugly, and I prefer the monsters of my fancy to what is positively trivial.
Charles BaudelaireRead
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