Thomas Aquinas: 'The test of the artist does not lie in the will with which he goes to work, but in the excellence of the work he produces.'

The test of the artist does not lie in the will with which he goes to work, but in the excellence of the work he produces.

In his famous quote, Thomas Aquinas makes a thought-provoking statement about the role of an artist. According to Aquinas, the true measure of an artist's skill lies not in their enthusiasm or intent when embarking on a creative endeavor, but rather in the quality and excellence of the final work they produce. While this notion might seem straightforward at first glance, it begs further scrutiny and invites us to delve deeper into the intrinsic nature of artistic creation.At its core, Aquinas' quote highlights the idea that the value of art ultimately lies in its outcome rather than the intentions of the artist. In other words, an artist's intentions or motivations, while important to some extent, should not overshadow the inherent quality of their work. This perspective challenges the notion that the value of art is solely determined by the artist's intention, creativity, or the level of effort they put into the process. Instead, Aquinas emphasizes that the true worth of art lies in its ability to evoke emotions, captivate an audience, or convey a message effectively. The excellence of the artwork, therefore, becomes the ultimate yardstick for evaluating an artist's success.This concept brings us to an unexpected philosophical consideration - the blurred line between art as a subjective expression and art as an objective creation. On one hand, art is often perceived as a deeply personal and subjective form of self-expression, a medium through which an artist communicates their unique perspective, emotions, and experiences. In this context, the artist's intention, passion, and will to create hold significant importance.On the other hand, there is an undeniable objective aspect to art. When a piece of art is presented to the public, it becomes open to interpretation, critique, and evaluation. Viewers may form their own judgments regarding the fundamental excellence of the artwork, independent of the artist's will. This objective perspective allows the audience to engage with the work, dissect it, and appreciate its technicalities, aesthetics, or intellectually stimulating aspects. In this sense, Aquinas' quote reminds us that the success of an artist hinges upon their ability to produce work that transcends individual intention and resonates with others on a broader level.Moreover, Aquinas' quote can also be seen as shedding light on the distinction between the artistic process and the final product. While it is true that the intentions, inspiration, and motivation an artist brings to their work can shape the creative process, they do not necessarily directly dictate the outcome. It is not uncommon for artists to encounter obstacles or face unexpected challenges along the way. Some of the most remarkable artistic creations are born out of struggle, frustration, or even unintentional experimentation. Therefore, Aquinas encourages us to transcend the artist's subjective journey and focus on the excellence manifested in the finished work, regardless of the initial will with which it was started.In conclusion, Thomas Aquinas' quote highlights an important aspect of artistic creation – the ultimate test lies in the excellence of the work produced, rather than the artist's will or intent. By shifting the focus from the artist's subjective process to the objective evaluation of the final product, Aquinas prompts us to consider art in a broader context. This leads to intriguing philosophical considerations around the subjective-objective duality of art, the distinction between the artistic process and the outcome, and the transformative potential of art when it resonates with others. Ultimately, Aquinas' quote serves as a reminder to artists and art appreciators alike that the true value of art lies in its ability to evoke emotions, communicate messages, and go beyond the intentions of its creator.