Charles Batteux

Charles Batteux was an 18th-century French philosopher best known for his ideas on aesthetics and art. He argued that all forms of art, from poetry to painting, share a common goal: to express beauty and evoke emotions. According to Batteux, art should be guided by the principles of simplicity and harmony, focusing on clear expression rather than complexity. His thoughts laid the groundwork for later theories of art interpretation, emphasizing that the true beauty of art lies in its ability to communicate feelings and connect with the viewer's experience.