Ludwig Van Beethoven: Quotes about art

Ludwig Van Beethoven was German Romantic composer. Explore interesting quotes on art.

Ludwig Van Beethoven: 86 quotes 66 likes

“The world is a king, and like a king, desires flattery in return for favor; but true art is selfish and perverse — it will not submit to the mold of flattery.”

Ludwig Van Beethoven

Conversations (March 1820)

World , Art , Selfishness

“Do not merely practice your art, but force your way into its secrets; it deserves that, for only art and science can exalt man to divinity.”

Ludwig Van Beethoven

Fahre fort, übe nicht allein die Kunst, sondern dringe auch in ihr Inneres; sie verdient es, denn nur die Kunst und die Wissenschaft erhöhen den Menschen bis zur Gottheit.
Letter to Emilie, July 17, 1812.
Quoted in Musical news, Vol. 3 (1892), p. 627

Secret , Art , Way , Science

“Art! Who comprehends her? With whom can one consult concerning this great goddess?”

Ludwig Van Beethoven

Letter to Bettina von Arnim (11 August 1810)

Art

“One clashes with stupidity of all kinds. And then how much money must be spent in advance! The way in which artists are treated is really scandalous. I am compelled to give a third of my receipts to the manager of the theatre and a fifth to the hospitals. Devil take them! As long as these abuses exist, I shall always ask whether music is or is not an art that may be freely exercised. Believe me, there is nothing to be done for artists in times like these.”

Ludwig Van Beethoven

24th November, 1814
Source: Johann Wenzel Tomaschek, "A Talk with Beethoven", The Musical Times and Singing Class Circular, Vol. 33, Beethoven Supplement (Dec. 15, 1892)

Money , Stupidity , Art , Music

“There ought to be but one large art warehouse in the world, to which the artist could carry his art-works, and from which he could carry away whatever he needed. As it is, one must be half a tradesman.”

Ludwig Van Beethoven

Conversations (January 1801)

World , Art