"If viewed through the traditional lens of appreciating classical artworks, judging from the photos, I think this painting itself might not quite qualify to be called a master, as you say."
Hanks enlarged the photo, scrutinizing it meticulously like a hawk, and said, "From what I can see, there's nothing in terms of artistic concept that stands out."
The value of traditional painting is entirely reflected on the canvas and paper.
Pieces with superior technique are simply more impressive than those with inferior technique, and works rich in emotion are more valuable than those that are emotionally barren and empty.
People admire paintings by appreciating the brushwork and craft that the artist has poured into them.
The value is indeed in this aspect.
But modern, avant-garde art shifts more of the focus to interpretations outside the work itself.
For example, Duchamp naming a urinal "Fountain" was a satire of Ingres' famous nude painting "Fountain."
