Benedetto Croce

1
Benedetto Croces expressionist theory

• Benedetto Croce
• 1866-1952 lived most of life in Naples
• Influenced by G.W.F. Hegel (1770-1831)
  Giambatista Vico (1668-1774)
• Anti-fascist during the war
• Most important work Aesthetic As Science of
  Expression and General Linguistic, published in
  1902

2
Benedetto Croces expressionist theory

• A sketch of his theory -- see Lyas, the 2nd part
  of chapter 3 (pp. 66 ff.) chapter 5.
• The epistemological background
• Kantian
• All knowing transforms the chaos of experience

3
Benedetto Croces expressionist theory

• Two kinds of knowing
• Intuition - involved imagination produces
  images
• Logical - involves intellect produces concepts
• Works of art - put order into experiences via
  intuition
• Art objects are merely vehicles for communicating
  these intuitions

4
Benedetto Croces 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 Croces theory of art is closely
  tied to his epistemology.

5
Benedetto Croces 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.).

6
Benedetto Croces 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).

7
Benedetto Croces 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.

8
Benedetto Croces expressionist theory

• Critical evaluation
• Weaknesses
• Too inclusive?
• All made things are art (Lyas 103-104).
• Too internalist? Minimizes the value of the art
  object. Is it not possible for art objects to
  take on a life of their own?

9
Benedetto Croces expressionist theory

• Critical evaluation
• Advantages
• Obliterates the distinction between high low
  art
• Takes away the distinction between art craft
• Allows us to accept as art objects like Duccios
  Maesta Homers Iliad