“DESPOJARSE DE LA VULGARIDAD” EN LA ESTÉTICA DE SHI TAO: UN NUEVO SIGNIFICADO DE LA ELEGANCIA EN LA PINTURA

Abstract

In the sophisticated aesthetic philosophy of Shi Tao, the precept of “Releasing from Vulgarity” holds a notable position. It is not a mere moral declaration of moving away from mundane society, but rather a manifestation of the artist’s profound reflection on his approach to artistic practices. This paper aims to analyze the concept of elegance as depicted in Discourse on Painting. The analysis will be contextualized within the framework of traditional artistic poetics and the socio-cultural and economic environment of the 18th century. Through this analysis, the paper will reveal that Shi Tao’s notion of elegance not only perpetuates and advances the aesthetic ideals of traditional literati painters but also serves as a vital strategy to ensure his artistic value amidst the highly commercialized art market.