What Is Art? · Chapter
XII explained
Tolstoy identifies three conditions that produce counterfeit art in society: the professionalization of artists due to high remuneration, the rise of art criticism, and the establishment of art schools.
What happens
Tolstoy identifies three conditions that produce counterfeit art in society: the professionalization of artists due to high remuneration, the rise of art criticism, and the establishment of art schools. He argues that these factors destroy the sincerity essential to true art, lead to the perversion of taste, and spread imitative, false works.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the text abruptly shifts from abstract philosophical discussi…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Perversion of Art by Professionalism and Gain
Tolstoy argues that professionalization and remuneration destroy the sincerity of art, leading to counterfeits.
- Critique of Aesthetics and Art Criticism
Critics are described as incapable of being infected by art, and their praise of invented works perverts taste.
- True Art vs. Counterfeit Art
The chapter contrasts true art (sincere, infectious) with counterfeit art (imitative, brain-spun) produced under the three conditions.
Characters to notice
- Leo Tolstoy
Author and critic of the conditions producing counterfeit art.
- Francis of Assisi
Cited as an example of a true artist who received no remuneration.
- Alexander Pushkin
Mentioned as a true artist whose later work was corrupted by false criticism.
- Ludwig van Beethoven
Used as an example of a composer whose deafness led to abnormal works praised by critics.
- Richard Wagner
Criticized for praising Beethoven's last period and creating music based on erroneous theories.
- William Shakespeare
Cited as an authority set up by criticism that leads to imitation.
Key passages
“The professional artist lives by his art, and has continually to invent subjects for his works, and does invent them.”
Professional artists, dependent on income, are forced to fabricate subjects rather than express genuine feelings.
Tolstoy's critique of professionalism as a source of counterfeit art.
“Critics are the stupid who discuss the wise.”
Critics, lacking artistic sensitivity, presume to judge those who create art.
A friend's definition of critics, which Tolstoy partially endorses.
“Art begins where the wee bit begins.”
True art lies in the subtle, indefinable touches that cannot be taught in schools.
Bruloff's remark on the essence of art, quoted by Tolstoy.
