What Is Art? (Chto Takoye Iskusstvo)

The treatise 'What is Art?' was the culmination of Leo Tolstoy's many years of reflection on aesthetics. The world-renowned writer set himself the difficult task of defining the criteria of true art, freeing himself from the influence of cultural tradition, religious, social, and other stereotypes. As a result, not only recent works of art but also past ones—thoughtfully universally recognized masterpieces—are subject to reexamination. According to Tolstoy, the legacy of Raphael, Shakespeare, Pushkin, and Beethoven requires the same rigorous critical analysis as the artistic pursuits of modern times (the Impressionists, decadent poets, and innovative musicians). The publication of the treatise provoked a stormy public reaction. Tolstoy addressed profound issues of creativity that remain relevant to this day, which is why the writer's reflections on the fate of art were not only a challenge to the artistic community but also an attempt at self-definition in a changing world. In addition to the treatise, this edition also includes other works by L. N. Tolstoy on the problems of art.