The ear disapproves but tolerates certain musical pieces; transfer them into the domain of our nose, and we will be forced to flee.
Jean CocteauRead
Emotion resulting from a work of art is only of value when it is not obtained by sentimental blackmail.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Genuine emotional responses to art should not be forced or manipulated.
Jean Cocteau asserts that the feelings elicited by a work of art hold true value only when they arise naturally and not through emotional manipulation or coercion. This highlights the importance of authenticity in artistic expression, suggesting that art should evoke sincere emotions without resorting to tactics that exploit the viewer's sensitivities.
Themes
ArtEmotionAuthenticitySentimentManipulation
In practice
Example use cases
During an art exhibition, the curator reminded the audience of Cocteau's quote to emphasize the importance of genuine emotional connections to the artwork presented.
More from Jean Cocteau
All quotes βOne must be a living man and a posthumous artist.
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All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivated it.
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Nothing ever gets anywhere. The earth keeps turning round and gets nowhere. The moment is the only thing that counts.
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Listen carefully to first criticisms made of your work. Note just what it is about your work that critics don't like - then cultivate it. That's the only part of your work that's individual and worth keeping.
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Watch yourself all your life in a mirror and you'll see Death at work like bees in a glass hive.
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