Shaping the Artist's Identity: From Enlightenment to Modern Art

The Legend of the Artist: Shaping Artistic Identity

In the eighteenth century, the cultural movement of the Enlightenment fully recognized the intellectual character of artistic activity. Artists began to be separated from mere craft due to the inherent intellectual and conceptual nature of their work, moving beyond manual labor. The emerging bourgeois-liberal ideology reinforced the identity of the artist as an exceptional individual, often seen as a defender of freedom and independence of character.

The concept of artistic genius, as applied to artists, was significantly developed by Romanticism. This powerful cultural movement, which peaked in the mid-nineteenth century, was instrumental in creating the enduring legend of the artist. This legend often pivots on two basic ideas: the artist as an exemplary figure, distinct from the general populace. While these ideas often contain elements of exaggeration, they also hold a degree of truth.

The Eccentric Artist

The eccentric artist is often seen as the manifestation of a personality distinct from other human beings. This distinction sometimes leads to a tormented existence, even pushing individuals to the brink of madness, as famously seen in figures like Vincent van Gogh. Similarly, certain works by Francisco Goya, such as his Caprichos, Disparates (Follies), and especially his haunting Black Paintings, have been interpreted as the result of the artist's unhinged mind, revealing the profound irrational component of human beings.

The Bohemian Artist

The unconventional behavior and perceived rarity of artists often made them compelling figures in novels and popular culture. They became strongly associated with the concept of the Bohemian artist: a lifestyle characterized by a marginal existence, often lacking material resources, but crucially, one that allowed for the freedom to pursue art for art's sake.

The Artist and Madness: A Different Perception

The artist's mind is often perceived as capable of producing prodigious effects by transforming the mundane. Where the public sees ordinary things, the artist might perceive profound beauty or meaning. This unique perspective can lead to an intimacy with the "secret cause" of things, embracing what others might consider a disgrace or a curse, praising defects, and even defending what society deems a crime. Such a radical departure from conventional perception can sometimes manifest as symptoms of madness, as the artist employs means that seem far removed from objective reality.

Goya's Artistic Expression: Embracing the Monstrous

Francisco Goya's works powerfully express the author's true will and his unique vision. He aimed to "make the monstrous real," creating creatures that, despite their fantastical nature, possess a chilling lifelikeness and often embody profound human truths.

The Rebellious Artist and Political Commitment

The concept of the artist as a hero, fighting against societal conventions and rebelling against the established order, gained significant traction. Realism, a dominant trend in 19th-century art, often embodied this spirit. Goya, for instance, famously demonstrated a strong political commitment through his art, using his works to critique and comment on the social and political turmoil of his time.

The Rise of the Art Market and Art Criticism

The modern art market emerged prominently in the nineteenth century, reflecting a burgeoning public interest in art. Economic development led to the expansion of the middle classes and improved living conditions, fostering a new demographic of art patrons. This growing interest was further fueled by the generalization of engraving, the rise of the periodical press, and the advent of photography.

Concurrently, the appearance of the prominent art critic became a significant force. Critics held the power to shape public opinion, capable of creating either favorable or unfavorable perceptions of an artist and their work.