donotdestroy:

The phrase “Let art speak for itself” likely emerged from the broader philosophy that art should be experienced and interpreted directly by viewers, without requiring excessive explanation or commentary. It aligns with ideas from movements like Romanticism and Modernism, which emphasized the emotional, personal, or universal power of art.

Key Contexts for the Phrase:

1. Romanticism (18th-19th Century):

Romantic artists and thinkers believed in the innate ability of art to evoke emotions and connect directly to the human spirit, minimizing the need for verbal justification.

2. Modernism (late 19th-20th Century):

Modernist artists often rejected traditional rules and advocated for the autonomy of art. They believed that art could stand on its own without the constraints of narrative or explanation.

3. Art Criticism and Philosophy:

Thinkers like John Ruskin and Clement Greenberg contributed to the idea that art should be appreciated for its intrinsic qualities—form, texture, color—without relying heavily on external context.