From the Classic Point of View

Kenyon Cox 1856 ~ 1919 was an American mural painter and author of The Classic Point of View. Among the many convincing arguments he made in support of traditional painting (and more relevant than ever) is the following:

‘From the classic point of view, the study of design is the most salutary discipline possible in this too naturalistic age. If I could have my way in the training of young artists, I should insist upon their spending a good deal of time in the study and designing of pure ornament that they might learn how independent fine design is of its content and how slight may be the connection between art and nature.’