I want to discuss objective and subjective qualities in art; to do that, I'll use one of my favorite paintings, Ashes by Edvard Munch, as an example.
Some objective qualities of this painting:
- Relatively drab color scheme
- Depicts two people, a man and a woman
- Forest background
- The man is painted in mostly blacks and grays, while the woman is mostly painted in a yellowish skin tone, light brown, red, and white
These are easily observable qualities, that could probably come under fire only if others wish to dispute the specific shades of color used.
Some subjective qualities I observe:
- Both figures appear to be distressed.
- The contrasting color schemes of the two figures illustrate the emotional distance between them.
- The unnatural colors of the forest add to the sense of isolation
- The strong outlines confine each of the figures and trees.
These are all qualities that I think contribute greatly to making a case for this painting being a work of art. However, while they are based on components of the painting, they are only my opinions. Others may share them, but it is only because we happen to perceive the lines and colors and shapes in the same way. This is what Hume means when he talks about beauty relying entirely upon the sensory organs of the observer.
Image from
http://www.edvard-munch.com/gallery/love/ashes.htm
