Can You Separate an Artist’s Beliefs From Their Art?

Can artists separate their beliefs from their art? At first glance, it would be easy to dismiss this question. After all, art is subjective. Art often reflects the artist’s worldview, perspective, and unique style. While it may be easy to conclude they are inseparable, there are examples to the contrary. When commissioned, artists show they can separate their beliefs from their art. However, before we discuss commissioned works of art and how they may contradict an artist’s beliefs, we must answer one question first: Is commissioned artwork considered art at all?

The Oxford Dictionary defines art as: “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as a painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.” Can commissioned art convey creative skill? How about imagination? What about emotional power? And is it possible for artists to morally disagree with their commissioned art pieces? Absolutely. Most people would classify commissioned art pieces as works of art because, if not, where would that leave undeniable artistic feats like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel? Is that not art? I would venture to say most people would classify the Sistine Chapel as a work of art. While Michelangelo was a deeply religious artist, especially in his later years, there are examples of other Renaissance artists commissioned for religious work whose religious beliefs are questionable. Leonardo da Vinci may have believed in a God in the metaphysical sense; however, there isn’t much firsthand information about his religious affiliation. One biography goes as far to say that da Vinci didn’t believe in the story of Noah, stating he doubted whether that much water could evaporate from the earth’s surface. If da Vinci could question one part of the Bible, it’s fair to assume he may have questioned other parts. Considering the above, what can we make of Leonardo’s commissioned painting of the Last Supper? Not only is it a commissioned piece, but it’s also created by someone who questioned parts of the bible. It’s fair to assume his art and beliefs may not have coincided with commissioned paintings pertaining to religion. Da Vinci’s Last Supper is a famous work of art. There is no disputing that. However, it’s possible he wasn’t fully sold on religion, putting his beliefs and artwork in conflict. Given the following example, it’s hard to argue against the fact that artists can indeed separate their beliefs from their art. Furthermore, when commissioned, they can produce artwork that leaves admirers in awe for centuries, whether it connects with their beliefs or not. •