Dissertation on the Progress of the Fine Arts

"Dissertation on the Progress of the Fine Arts" by John Robert Scott is an exploration into the development of art, especially sculpture, with a focus on how society influences its progress. The author looks at what helps art grow, suggesting that great art comes from a mix of history and cultural background. Scott studies whether art truly gets better over time and thinks about the things that must be in place for artists to really shine. By comparing today's art with the amazing art of ancient Greece and the Renaissance, the author argues that societies in the past did a better job of lifting up artists through support and a love for beauty; ultimately he feels that current society is falling short and that we need to bring back the kind of encouragement that leads to outstanding artwork.