What Is Art?

by Leo Tolstoy

Professionalism is the first condition of the diffusion of false, counterfeit art.

But art is the transmission to others of a special feeling experienced by the artist. How can this be taught in schools?

These three conditions—the professionalisation of artists, art criticism, and art schools—have had this effect that most people in our times are quite unable even to understand what art is, and accept as art the grossest counterfeits of it.

because the counterfeits are always more ornate, while true art is modest.