George Steiner used a similar example a few years ago in a roundtable (in The Netherlands, I believe); a score written by Mozart or a human being. He picked up the score. During his trips to Southeast Asia Malraux "saved" statues and other artifacts, and brought them to Paris. Was he following Goethe's path mentionned by William or was it looting?
Luc ----- Original Message ---- 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/
