Why is it that some people believe that artworks have to be saved? From what? If from certain destruction or damage, the reasons are primarily for the sake of value or sentimentality. If from oblivion, for anticipated value or sentimentality. If for pride, then for the sake of culture and sentimentality. The real question is, What is worthy about sentimentality?
As for the cat or the Rembrandt, assuming it's an authenticated Rembrandt painting and not a restruck print (can be rather cheaply acquired) I'd choose the painting because the cat is animate and evolved to provide for itself, more or less, and therefore has a fighting chance to escape while the painting is inanimate, defenseless, and more valuable. From a cultural standpoint at least, it has more sentimental value that the cat. We live in a material world and value everything in material terms. We also live in a world of values and spiritual aspiration. The two should be happily blended, whenever possible since the extreme of each is destructive to both. This was Goethe's theme and it's not bad. So who says one can't cheat in a desperate situation and grab for the cat on the way out with the painting snugly held? WC ________________________________ From: Chris Miller <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2009 10:31:51 AM Subject: Why is it that some people believe that artworks have to be saved ? Luc asked: "why is it that some people believe that artworks have to be saved ? or rescued?" Kirby touched on this question a few years ago. A house is burning, and all you can rescue is either the Rembrandt on the wall or the kitten on the floor. Which would you choose ? Being the good Lutheran that he was, Kirby chose to save the living, beloved, somewhat human creature -- while being an aesthete, I would rescue the great painting. (even if, as a cat lover, I realize that every cat, like every painting, is unique and irreplaceable) My reasons? They're really no better than Kirby's. It's just that I love paintings more than cats, am grateful that people have saved them for me, and feel somewhat responsible for saving them for future generations. Though, arguments could also be made that art works help create a sense of cultural identity that is the fabric of social life. I think this is the role that calligraphy was given in traditional Chinese civilization, and why it was patronized by every imperial court. Aren't similar arguments still being made to justify various kinds of institutional support, above and beyond whatever an open ,free market might provide? Though in our polyglot society, such arguments are a bit weaker. ____________________________________________________________ Proven Hair Replacement Options. Click here. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2231/fc/BLSrjnxVAiBzXfwzXtH5xRyoeiPRwD j6ZKaixScrxup24TQpVtQJd1slacY/
