| |
The Essay
America's Introduction to Aesthetics
|
|
America's Introduction to Aesthetics
Opportunities for learning about architecture, art, and design were limited during the
earliest years of the United States. Little existed in the way of formal schooling in the arts. Serious
students who could afford to do so apprenticed with architects, artists, and artisans; learned through
observation and travel; and read the few printed sources available. In the 1840s, authors of design
publications began to seriously address this void in the art life of the nation. Critics predicted that
the strides made in printing technology combined with modern ideas about design would lead to a flourishing
of art and architecture in America, much as the printing press had helped spread the revival of Classical
art and architecture from Italy throughout Europe during the Renaissance.
Americans were, as a whole, distrustful of art for art’s
sake, the result of their culture’s strong Calvinist and anti-elitist
traditions. They overcame their reticence to discuss the issue of beauty,
however, when it related directly to domestic design. Americans believed
that an inspiring home environment played a positive role in shaping a
citizen’s character, an ingredient they saw as essential to the
success of the young republic.
|
