Development of the Fine Arts Under the Puritans

In all nations of the world the development of art in its earlier stages has had an undefined but intimate connection with some form of religion, hero-worship, or superstition. In Greek mythology, for instance, we find that Boreas, the North Wind, aided the Athenians against the Persian fleet. By continual repetition Boreas gradually assumed to those who spoke of this event a personal form and character, and at last developed into a divine or semi-divine being. But lest this form and this character be lost, it is necessary that the imaginary attributes of Boreas should be stereotyped. Human imperfection renders this a task which can only be accomplished piecemeal. The poetic art celebrates his actions in its boldest flights of language; the histrionic art gives vitality to the poet's descriptions; while the art of the painter and sculptor permanises the idea of his outward form. Boreas becomes a god, and idol-worship commences by the aid of art

Aesthetics · Archaeology · Art · Character (mathematics · Event (particle physics · HERO · Literature · Mythology · Painting · Psychoanalysis · Ridiculous · Superstition · The Imaginary · Visual arts · Vitality · Worship · Classical Antiquity Studies · Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies · History · Philosophy · Psychology