A work of art requires an intelligent spectator who must go beyond the pleasure of the eyes to express a judgment. An intelligent spectator must argue the reason for what she sees with a delicate artistic sense, knowing how to discover in works of art the various qualities they contain and mix reasoning with such an appreciation, guided by the faculty of invention. Therefore, people recognize the presence of a spiritual value. The mind does not limit itself to sensible plastic representations but bends upon itself, distinguishing itself from nature and from the body. The mind acquires the feeling of its free personality, of its infinite nature, of its divine essence. The mind asks for more ideal forms, less material, a vaster field of representation richer and more varied materials, an expression more lively and profound. Nature itself becomes more spiritual, everywhere presenting a reflection of thought, an echo of feeling. |
