Contradictions of the Transmission Theory of Art
the most iconic works of art in history, is invalidated by a theory developed centuries after its creation. The theory is bound to one set of specific circumstances instead of considering historical contexts and evolving dynamics of society. Da Vinci's Mona Lisa branches into various topics in the art world, including the topic of interpretation. As previously mentioned, the expression made by Lisa del Giocondo 13 is often discussed and contemplated. It is widely interpreted as an expression of happiness, but others skepticize other emotions possibly depicted in the portrait. Nevertheless, the interpretive nature of this painting is boldly contradictory to the Transmission Theory. The theory invalidates the iconicity of this painting's status as a work of art as the subject of expression is unclear. Da Vinci's work represents a vast genre of modern art that does not adhere to the Transmission Theory. Art for interpretation takes many forms, interpretive dance, paintings, sculptures, drawings, virtually any mode of visual art has the capacity to be interpretive. The aspect of art's intellectually stimulating qualities is to allow the audience to gather their own understanding of the work. Rather than outright clarifying what the audience is meant to feel, many works of art base its substance in the diverse array of its potential perceptions. Conclusion While Tolstoy himself is admirable for his intellect, the Transmission Theory of Art is fundamentally flawed. The theory demands such unnatural elements for a work that is simply illogical and diminishes the quality of its composition. First, the theory insists that an artwork must be made to express an emotion and for an audience. A multitude of reasoning can support the refusal of this theory; art is not solely for appreciation or even criticism, it can be made for creative liberty or to self- soothe. With the examples of Kafka and Dickinson, we can see how even the most influential literature was not made primarily to be influential. Next, the theory states that art is a transmission of emotion from the artist to the audience. This can V.
13 Jones, “The Isleworth Mona Lisa: Have Leonardo Da Vinci Fans Worshipped the Wrong Portrait for Centuries?”
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