The Enduring Legacy of Quality Art vs. Everyday Works
The Eternal Charm of Quality Art vs. Everyday Works
When considering the longevity of creative works, it is essential to understand that the distinction between quality art and everyday works does not inherently dictate their survival through the ages. Instead, the enduring legacy of these creations is more influenced by external factors such as location, materials used, frequency of use, and the level of care and preservation provided, rather than the intrinsic quality of the original work and the skill of the artist.
Quality Art and Everyday Works: A Malleable Concept
The exact definition of what constitutes quality art varies across different periods and cultural movements. Over time, what was once considered mundane or ordinary can rise to the status of art. For example, a hand axe, crafted by an unknown artist in West Tofts, Norfolk, England, dating back to 300,000 to 500,000 years ago, has managed to survive the test of time. This piece, while not an ostensible masterpiece in the traditional sense, demonstrates that even everyday works can have remarkable longevity.
Similarly, consider the famous mural by Leonardo da Vinci, painted in 1495 to 1496 on the walls of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Despite its masterful execution, the painting began to deteriorate by 1498, mere months after its completion. This underscores how preservation and ongoing care are crucial to ensuring the longevity of any creative work.
The Survival of Masterpieces and Lesser Works
A notable example of a preserved masterpiece is Johannes Vermeer's Girly with a Pearl Earring. The painting, held in the collection of the Mauritshuis in The Hague, Netherlands, has undergone several restorations to maintain its visual integrity. The middle version of the painting, in its "clean" state, is a testament to the restorative efforts that have been made over the years. The left and right versions show the extent of the restorations and the natural wear and tear of time.
These examples illustrate that whether a work is labeled as elevation" than the hand axe or the deteriorating mural, the factors contributing to its longevity are often external and not inherent to the work itself.
Art's Preservation: An Integral Factor
Many of the paintings in museums today have undergone extensive cleaning and retouching to hide blemishes, cracks, and holes. The same can be said for acrylic works from the 20th century, which are also facing deterioration issues. Artists who use staining techniques often find that their works fail over time. These challenges highlight the essential role that preservation plays in ensuring the preservation of all kinds of art, from the mundane to the masterful.
In essence, there is no inherent distinction that can be made between the longevity of quality art and everyday works. Both types of creations are subject to the same challenges and require the same level of care and preservation to endure through time. Understanding this can help us value and appreciate all forms of art more fully, recognizing that each piece has a unique story to tell about its creation and preservation through the ages.