On Art and Artists: An Anthology of Diderot's Aesthetic Thought
📘 About This Book
Chance ordained that Denis Diderot (1713-1784) was not only a philosopher, playwright and writer, but also a salonnier. In other words, an art critic. In 1759, his friend Grimm entrusted him with a project that forced him to acquire "thoughtful notions concerning painting and sculpture" and to refine "art terms, so familiar in his words yet so vague in his mind". Diderot wrote artistic reviews of exhibitions – Salons – that were organized bi-annually at the Louvre by the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture. These reviews, published in the Correspondence Littéraire, were Diderot’s unique contribution to art criticism in France. He fulfilled his task of salonnier on nine occasions, despite occasional dips in his enthusiasm and self-confidence. Compiled and presented by Jean Szenec, this anthology helps the contemporary reader to familiarize himself with Diderot’s aesthetic thought in all its greatness. It includes eight illustrations and is followed by texts from Jean Starobinski, Michel Delon, and Arthur Cohen. ‘On Art and Artists’ is translated by John Glaus, professor of French and an amateur expert of the XVIIIth century.
📖 Summary
On Art and Artists: An Anthology of Diderot's Aesthetic Thought brings together the remarkable art criticisms of Denis Diderot, one of the foremost Enlightenment thinkers. Spanning 192 pages and published in 2010, this collection explores how chance led Diderot to become a salonnier, or art critic, starting in 1759 when his friend Grimm entrusted him with reviewing the bi-annual exhibitions organized by the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture at the Louvre. Originally written for the Correspondence Littéraire, these reviews represent Diderot's unique and pioneering contribution to French art criticism. When he first took on the project, Diderot had to hastily acquire thoughtful notions concerning painting and sculpture, refining art terms that were previously familiar in his vocabulary yet vague in his mind. Across nine separate occasions, he faithfully fulfilled this task despite occasional dips in his enthusiasm and self-confidence. Compiled and presented by Jean Seznec, the anthology provides readers with a direct window into Diderot's evolving aesthetic philosophy. Through these pages, readers observe a brilliant philosophical mind grappling with the visual arts, evaluating technique, emotional resonance, and representation with unmatched wit and intellectual rigor. Diderot's writings do not merely describe the artworks of his contemporaries; they interrogate the very nature of beauty, imagination, and artistic expression. His essays serve as an essential bridge between philosophy and the fine arts, demonstrating how critical engagement can elevate our understanding of creative works. This collection illuminates the birth of modern art criticism through the eyes of a master polymath, offering timeless insights into the creative process and the viewer's experience.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Offers rare insight into the mind of a major Enlightenment philosopher engaging with visual art.
Brings together historical art reviews that helped shape modern art criticism.
Expertly compiled and presented by Jean Seznec.
Provides a concise yet rich exploration of 18th-century French aesthetic thought.
⚠️ Cons
May require prior familiarity with 18th-century French art and history to fully appreciate context.
Reflects the personal biases and occasional drops in enthusiasm of the author.
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
Who wrote On Art and Artists? +
The book compiles the writings of Denis Diderot, compiled and presented by Jean Seznec.
When was this anthology published? +
This specific edition was published in 2010.
What is a salonnier? +
In this context, a salonnier is an art critic who writes reviews of public exhibitions, known as Salons.
Where did the exhibitions reviewed by Diderot take place? +
They took place bi-annually at the Louvre, organized by the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture.
How many times did Diderot fulfill the role of salonnier? +
He fulfilled this task on nine occasions.
