Croce's expressionist theory ~ slide 1 Benedetto Croce’s expressionist theory n n Benedetto Croce – – ~ lived most of life in Naples – –Influenced by G.W.F. Hegel ( ) & Giambatista Vico ( ) – –Anti-fascist during the war – –Most important work: Aesthetic: As Science of Expression and General Linguistic, published in 1902

Croce's expressionist theory ~ slide 2 Benedetto Croce’s expressionist theory n n A sketch of his theory -- see Lyas, the 2nd part of chapter 3 (pp. 66 ff.) & chapter 5. – –The epistemological background » »Kantian n n All knowing transforms the chaos of experience

Croce's expressionist theory ~ slide 3 Benedetto Croce’s expressionist theory n n Two kinds of knowing å åIntuition - involved imagination & produces images å åLogical - involves intellect & produces concepts – –Works of art - put order into experiences via intuition – –Art objects are merely vehicles for communicating these intuitions

Croce's expressionist theory ~ slide 4 Benedetto Croce’s expressionist theory – –The artist in the process of creating a work of art searches for the right colors, lines, & composition in order to impose order on the world (Lyas 70). – –Thus notice that Croce’s theory of art is closely tied to his epistemology.

Croce's expressionist theory ~ slide 5 Benedetto Croce’s expressionist theory – –There is no difference in kind between ordinary, everyday intuitions & the creation of art objects. It is only a matter of degree (Lyas 102). » »The advantage of this part of the theory is that it helps us to accept as art works created for religious or utilitarian purposes (pottery, African masks, etc.).

Croce's expressionist theory ~ slide 6 Benedetto Croce’s expressionist theory – –Where is the work of art? » »Entirely internal (in the human psyche). What we call the external work of art is never the real work of art (Lyas 75).

Croce's expressionist theory ~ slide 7 Benedetto Croce’s expressionist theory – –Evaluating art » »Good art expresses something common to all humanity. » »Great artists express emotions in such a way that they can be shared by all of humanity.

Croce's expressionist theory ~ slide 8 Benedetto Croce’s expressionist theory – –Critical evaluation » »Weaknesses n n Too inclusive? å åAll made things are art (Lyas ). n n Too internalist? Minimizes the value of the art object. Is it not possible for art objects to take on a life of their own?

Croce's expressionist theory ~ slide 9 Benedetto Croce’s expressionist theory – –Critical evaluation » »Advantages n n Obliterates the distinction between high & low art n n Takes away the distinction between art & craft n n Allows us to accept as art objects like Duccio’s Maesta & Homer’s Iliad