# How does What Is Art? develop the theme of Perversion of Art by Professionalism and Gain?

> What Is Art? by Leo Tolstoy

## Answer

What Is Art? by Leo Tolstoy develops Perversion of Art by Professionalism and Gain across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Tolstoy argues that when artists become professionals motivated by remuneration, art loses its sincerity and becomes a trade, producing counterfeit works that corrupt rather than elevate society.

Tolstoy's compromise with the censor for publication illustrates how institutional and professional pressures can distort artistic integrity.

Tolstoy criticizes the immense labor and resources spent on art, the stunting of human lives through specialized training, and the cruelty of conductors, suggesting art has been perverted by professional demands and financial interests.

He highlights how art is supported by the unwilling labor of the poor and questions whether it justifies such sacrifices.

## Evidence

- [the-author-s-preface](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_art_se/chapters/the-author-s-preface.md): Tolstoy's compromise with the censor for publication illustrates how institutional and professional pressures can distort artistic integrity.
- [i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_art_se/chapters/i.md): Tolstoy criticizes the immense labor and resources spent on art, the stunting of human lives through specialized training, and the cruelty of conductors, suggesting art has been perverted by professional demands and financial interests.
- [ii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_art_se/chapters/ii.md): He highlights how art is supported by the unwilling labor of the poor and questions whether it justifies such sacrifices.
- [iv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_art_se/chapters/iv.md): He criticizes how art is defined to justify the productions that please a certain class, rather than seeking a true, universal definition.
- [vi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_art_se/chapters/vi.md): Tolstoy implies that the upper classes, lacking a religious guide, perverted art by using it for personal enjoyment and to maintain their social position.
- [ix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_art_se/chapters/ix.md): Tolstoy argues that upper-class art, driven by the pursuit of enjoyment rather than religious perception, has become artificial, brain-spun, and deprived of true artistic value.
- [x](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_art_se/chapters/x.md): The claim that art can be good yet incomprehensible leads to perverted, self-serving art by a small circle.
- [xi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_art_se/chapters/xi.md): Tolstoy argues that upper-class art arises not from inner impulse but from the demand for amusement and payment, leading to counterfeits.

## Links

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