# Art explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The narrator critiques the high monetary value placed on art, specifically a portrait of Gladstone by Sir John Millais, contrasting it with the perceived lower value of living statesmen.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Criticism

The narrator questions the economic valuation of art, suggesting that a painted statesman is worth more than a living one, critiquing societal priorities.

## Key lines

> For Gladstone’s portrait five thousand pounds Were paid, ’tis said, to Sir John Millais.

It is rumored that five thousand pounds were paid to Sir John Millais for a portrait of Gladstone.

_Highlights the extravagant cost of art._

> For it seems to me uncommonly queer That a painted British stateman’s price Exceeds the established value thrice Of a living statesman over here.

I find it strange that a painted British statesman costs three times more than a living one in our country.

_Criticizes the disparity between art's value and the value of actual political figures._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/art
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters