Theory of Art, Aesthetic Response

J. M. W. Turner, early 1800's

During the 1800's, artists were concerned with the beauty of their artwork.  Aesthetics, or the sense of beauty, was the prime motivator in the arts.  Different theories of art have developed over time in order to shed some light on defining art or to theorize about the structure of our concept of art.  The theory of aesthetic response, according to Wikipedia, "is that art has an intended aesthetic function, but not all artworks succeed in producing aesthetic experiences...artworks that were intended to have this capacity, but failed at it are bad art."  While this theory was popular back then, the introduction of modern art has made this theory outdated and inadequate.  From cave paintings to contemporary art, art changes through the years and theories must change along with it.  Enjoy!