and transcends the body’s mortal limits. It is
similar regarding the soul and body of a work
of art.
Too much attention to the body and
bodily things is stultifying to the spirit.
Recall the first words the angel of the Lord
spoke to Swedenborg when he was called
to his revelatory mission: “eat not so much.”
Materialism generally overshadows and stunts
the spiritual aspects of life. In a like manner,
fixating on the physical form of a work of art
dulls our appreciation of its inner content, the
spirit that gives it its meaning, deeper beauty
and enduring worth. (Andrew Wyeth hated
the fact that his marvelous technical ability
drew so much attention; it was useful, but
he didn’t want it to eclipse the spirit of his
paintings.)
To take a human example, the homely
visage of Abraham Lincoln (which he himself joked about) is completely
transformed by the profoundly human soul within. If we think of Lincoln as
a “work of art,” we can see how apparent surface imperfection can sometimes
actually enhance our awareness of the true, spiritual value of art. A somewhat
rough exterior leads us to redirect our attention to its abstract and intangible
inner qualities, which are actually more substantial than its physical form. On
the other hand, a smooth, beguiling exterior may mask an inner void, disorder,
inhumanity and spiritual ugliness.
But again, this is a subtle point; lack of outer beauty doesn’t necessarily
indicate the presence of inner beauty. As with people, there is art which is
beautiful inwardly and outwardly, and art which is ugly inwardly as well as
outwardly.
We often hear
references to an
“important” work
of art. Whatever
else that may mean,
the importance of
any art depends
upon what it
imports or brings
into this world
from heaven.
Art in Heaven
We often hear references to an “important” work of art. Whatever else that
may mean, the importance of any art depends upon what it imports or brings
into this world from heaven.
Speaking of the architecture of heaven, the Writings say, somewhat
mysteriously, that “art there is in its art.” (Heaven and Hell 185) This doesn’t
mean it has no outer form; even in heaven, even when we have entered into
the realm of the “something more” that earthly art hints at, an outward form is
still necessary to contain and express it. There can be no substance, natural or
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