THE CONCEPT OF THE ARTIST IN THE ARTISTIC VISION OF GEORGE SAND (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE NOVEL «THE CASTLE OF DESERTES»)

Abstract

The Romantics focused on art. They singled out the figure of an artist who is creatively talented and who perceives the surrounding reality differently and is able to change it. An important place is given to the image of the artist in the artistic heritage of George Sand. Different types of artists are represented in the novel «The Castle of Desertes», published in 1851, but for a long time remained unnoticed by researchers. The analysis and interpretation of the artist’s concept in the novel are based on a thematic approach as well as on the ways in which music is present in literature, which are emphasized by the American researcher David A. Powell. The scientist names the following options: the characters of literature are related to music, or it is about music in general. The presentation of music in literature is also projected on painting and theater. In the article the synthetic combination of artistic abilities in the person of the narrator Salantini (artist, theater critic, actor), the evolution of the talent of vocalist and actor Celio, as well as the sacrifice and devotion of the singer and actress Cecilia are examined. The parallel is drawn with the image of the brilliantly talented Consuelo from the novel of the same name by George Sand. In the work the importance of the role of the artist-teacher Boccaferi in the development of natural talent, freedom of choice of role for the interpretation and disclosure of the actor as a person are emphasized. The components of the artist’s progress on the way to perfection are determined. It is a training for the development of artistic talent and identification with the image that is reproduced. The feeling of love for art, for people in general and love in particular are of great importance. The ability to empathize, understand and help others reveals new facets of one’s own talent in George Sand’s novel «The Castle of Desertes». It is summarized, that George Sand’s concept of the artist is characterized by a romantic vision of the artist as an exceptional person, designed to change the world through art.