Section I. Of the Nature of the Ideas Conveyable by Art

Synopsis of Contents.

Part I. Of General Principles.

Chapter I.—Introductory.

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§ 1. Public opinion no criterion of excellence, except after long periods of time.

§ 2. And therefore obstinate when once formed.

§ 3. The author's reasons for opposing it in particular instances.

§ 4. But only on points capable of demonstration.

§ 5. The author's partiality to modern works excusable.

Chapter II.—Definition of Greatness in Art.

§ 1. Distinction between the painter's intellectual power and technical knowledge.

§ 2. Painting, as such, is nothing more than language.

§ 3. "Painter," a term corresponding to "versifier."

§ 4. Example in a painting of E. Landseer's.

§ 5. Difficulty of fixing an exact limit between language and thought.

§ 6. Distinction between decorative and expressive language.

§ 7. Instance in the Dutch and early Italian schools.

§ 8. Yet there are certain ideas belonging to language itself.

§ 9. The definition.

Chapter III.—Of Ideas of Power.

§ 1. What classes of ideas are conveyable by art.

§ 2. Ideas of power vary much in relative dignity.

§ 3. But are received from whatever has been the subject of power. The meaning of the word "excellence."

§ 4. What is necessary to the distinguishing of excellence.

§ 5. The pleasure attendant on conquering difficulties is right.

Chapter IV.—Of Ideas of Imitation.

§ 1. False use of the term "imitation" by many writers on art.

§ 2. Real meaning of the term.

§ 3. What is requisite to the sense of imitation.

§ 4. The pleasure resulting from imitation the most contemptible that can be derived from art.

§ 5. Imitation is only of contemptible subjects.

§ 6. Imitation is contemptible because it is easy.

§ 7. Recapitulation.

Chapter V.—Of Ideas of Truth.

§ 1. Meaning of the word "truth" as applied to art.

§ 2. First difference between truth and imitation.

§ 3. Second difference.

§ 4. Third difference.

§ 5. No accurate truths necessary to imitation.

§ 6. Ideas of truth are inconsistent with ideas of imitation.

Chapter VI.—Of Ideas of Beauty.

§ 1. Definition of the term "beautiful."

§ 2. Definition of the term "taste."

§ 3. Distinction between taste and judgment.

§ 4. How far beauty may become intellectual.

§ 5. The high rank and function of ideas of beauty.

§ 6. Meaning of the term "ideal beauty."

Chapter VII.—Of Ideas of Relation.

§ 1. General meaning of the term.

§ 2. ideas are to be comprehended under it.

§ 3. The exceeding nobility of these ideas.

§ 4. Why no subdivision of so extensive a class is necessary.