Modern Painting, Its Tendency and Meaning

In this study the author probes the hidden drive that animates great art, arguing that modern painting pursues a specific, profound purpose beyond mere visual appeal. He contends that casual judgments based on personal taste miss deeper aesthetic laws, and warns that treating art as a democratic pastime can erode its standards. By presenting clear principles, the book invites listeners to move past fleeting moods and engage with the psychological forces shaping artistic will.

The work contrasts ancient and contemporary techniques, showing how newer methods strip away traditional ornamentation to reveal a more direct expression of intent. Through concise profiles of key painters and movements of the last century, it maps milestones of innovation, examining each school’s motivations, achievements, and influence on later artists. Readers gain a practical framework for evaluating works—from mosaics to Picasso’s abstractions—and a clearer sense of where modern art might head.