Kathryn Evering: David Hume

David Hume I enjoy. He does not try to define art but he asks what makes an art critic? He questions the ability of those who say "this art is bad," or "this is not art." He wants to know who has the right to make art Art. His first sentence in the Of the Standard of Taste claims that all men no matter what their social background acknowledge that everyone has a different sense of taste. Meaning not everyone enjoys the same flavor ice cream, not everyone shares a favorite color, and not everyone enjoys the same type of art. I may enjoy finger painting by kindergarteners while someone else might enjoy the classic works of Leonardo da Vinci, or the pop-art of the modern day.




These two pieces, by da Vinci and by Warhol are two very different interpretations of art. Hume says, "...we are more pleased...with pictures and characters, that resemble objects which are found in our own age or country than with those which describe a different set of customs."

I agree with this completely, but one can also state that there is still a high level of respect for art that is not from the same time period or community. There has to be a separation, in my opinion from liking art and respecting art.