Books Should Be Free
Loyal Books
Free Public Domain Audiobooks & eBook Downloads

The Enjoyment of Art   By: (1872-1950)

Book cover

The Enjoyment of Art by Carleton Eldredge Noyes is a profound exploration of art appreciation that will delight both enthusiasts and novices alike. Through his articulate and engaging prose, Noyes takes readers on a captivating journey into the realm of aesthetics, offering invaluable insights and perspectives on the power and significance of visual art throughout history.

One of the most commendable aspects of Noyes' work is his ability to seamlessly blend theory and practice, making the subject accessible to all readers regardless of their familiarity with art. He emphasizes the enjoyment and personal experience of art, making it clear that one doesn't need to be an expert to appreciate and connect with artistic creations. By dismantling the notion that art is exclusively for the cultured or educated elite, Noyes encourages readers to approach art with an open mind and embrace the emotions and meanings it evokes.

The book covers a wide range of topics, from the fundamentals of visual elements like line, shape, and color, to the intricacies of different artistic mediums such as painting, sculpture, and architecture. Noyes skillfully introduces each concept in a clear and concise manner, providing historical context and compelling examples that enrich the reader's understanding of each artistic element. Furthermore, his inclusion of numerous illustrations throughout the text aids in visual comprehension and serves as a testament to the power of visual art.

What sets The Enjoyment of Art apart is Noyes' emphasis on the individual's interpretation and subjective experience of art. He adamantly argues against the idea that there is a definitive, objective way to interpret art, instead advocating for the personal connection and engagement that each viewer brings to the table. By presenting differing viewpoints and inviting readers to form their own opinions, Noyes encourages a deeper engagement with art, fostering a sense of empowerment and ownership over one's artistic experiences.

With its comprehensive coverage, accessible language, and thought-provoking insights, The Enjoyment of Art by Carleton Eldredge Noyes is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their appreciation and understanding of art. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a student, or simply curious about the transformative power of visual expression, this book will undoubtedly broaden your horizons and leave you with a newfound love and enjoyment for the world of art.

First Page:

[Note: for this online edition I have moved the Table of Contents to the beginning of the text.]

THE ENJOYMENT OF ART

BY

CARLETON NOYES

BOSTON AND NEW YORK HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY The Riverside Press, Cambridge 1903

COPYRIGHT, 1903, BY CARLETON NOYES ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Published, March, 1903

To ROBERT HENRI AND VAN D. PERRINE

This day before dawn I ascended a hill and look'd at the crowded heaven, And I said to my spirit When we become the enfolders of those orbs, and the pleasure and knowledge of every thing in them, shall we be fill'd and satisfied then? And my spirit said No, we but level that lift to pass and continue beyond.

WALT WHITMAN

CONTENTS

Preface I. The Picture and the Man i II. The Work of Art as Symbol 19 III. The Work of Art as Beautiful 41 IV. Art and Appreciation 67 V. The Artist 86

PREFACE

The following pages are the answer to questions which a young man asked himself when, fresh from the university, he found himself adrift in the great galleries of Europe. As he stood helpless and confused in the presence of the visible expressions of the spirit of man in so many ages and so many lands, one question recurred insistently: Why are these pictures? What is the meaning of all this striving after expression? What was the aim of these men who have left their record here? What was their moving impulse? Why, why does the human spirit seek to manifest itself in forms which we call beautiful?

He turned to histories of art and to biographies of artists, but he found no answer! to the "Why?" The philosophers with their theories of aesthetics helped him little to understand the dignity and force of this portrait or the beauty of that landscape... Continue reading book >>




eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook
• iBooks for iPhone and iPad
• Nook
• Sony Reader
Kindle eBook
• Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook
• Load eBook in browser
Text File eBook
• Computers
• Windows
• Mac

Review this book



Popular Genres
More Genres
Languages
Paid Books