Che cosa è l'arte?

Name: Che cosa è l'arte?
Author: graf Leo Tolstoy

The essay argues that genuine art must convey sincere, morally rooted feeling and criticizes modern artistic practice for prioritizing shock, aesthetic pleasure, technical display, or sensuality over moral sincerity. It surveys forms from literature and music to visual arts, accuses contemporary creators and institutions of producing costly, hollow spectacles that encourage passivity or refined indulgence rather than ethical engagement, and contrasts these failings with older religious and epic works that exemplify communicative moral force. The author proposes a strict criterion for artistic value based on moral clarity and truthful emotional transmission.

By graf Leo Tolstoy

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About the Author

graf Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy, a prominent Russian author and philosopher, is best known for his epic novels that explore complex themes of morality, society, and human experience. His most famous works include "Anna Karenina," which delves into the intricacies of love and infidelity, and "War and Peace," a sweeping narrative set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. Beyond fiction, Tolstoy was a significant thinker in the realms of ethics and spirituality, as evidenced in his essays such as "The Kingdom of God Is Within You," where he articulates his views on nonviolent resistance and Christian anarchism. His literary contributions have left a lasting impact on both literature and philosophy.