The myth of great artist

The Myth of the Great Artist: A Brief History

The idea of the great artist, a notion that has been deeply ingrained in our culture, has a specific origin story. In Renaissance Europe, around the 15th century, art was primarily produced by guilds or associations of artists, art sellers, and craftspeople. The focus was on technical skill and craftsmanship, with masterpieces demonstrating an artist's skill level. However, with the rise of wealthy patrons like the Medici family in Florence, art became a status symbol, and the art versus craft debate emerged.

Georgio Vasari's book, "The Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects," marked a significant shift in how art was perceived. Vasari emphasized the intellectual and emotional aspects of art, framing artists as geniuses with a "chicken nugget of Genius." This biographical approach humanized artists and highlighted their personal struggles, creating a cult of celebrity around them.

The Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, established in Paris in 1648, further solidified the myth of the great artist. The Academy emphasized technique, but also absorbed the art versus craft debate, making technical skill a component of genius. The Academy's influence perpetuated the notion that painting, especially history painting, was the highest form of art, and that artists were prominent intellectuals.

However, this narrative excluded women and other marginalized groups from the category of great artists. Women like Artemisia Gentileschi and Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun did produce remarkable work, but faced significant obstacles in the art world. Recent discoveries suggest that women may have participated more in the art world than previously thought, raising questions about who was written out of history.

Contemporary artists like Carrie Mae Weems challenge the myth of the great artist, exploring how it shapes culture. Weems' work, like her "Untitled (Painter)," prompts us to reconsider the arbitrary rules that define greatness and the exclusion of marginalized groups.

The myth of the great artist started in a specific time and place, impacting art history worldwide. Recognizing perspectives left out of the story enriches our understanding of art and history. As we move forward, we must continue to question and challenge the narrative, making room for diverse voices and perspectives.