Artistic Evolution and Identity

This chapter explores the impact of Enlightenment and modernity on art, emphasizing themes of originality and the changing identity of artists from the Renaissance to the Romantic period. It contrasts historical challenges faced by artists with the contemporary flourishing of artistic expression, while examining key figures like Oscar Wilde and philosophical reflections on personal responsibility. The discussion also highlights the divide between popular and elite culture, exploring how the perception of the artist has evolved from a heroic figure to a celebrity in modern times.