There is a new book by Philosopher/Professor Denis Dutton entitles The Art Instinct where in he postures, among many things, why we as humans are drawn to Landscapes. He states bucolic scenes are “etched into the unconscious mind as remembrance of happy hunting grounds. Dutton says that art had its origins as a display that might lure prospective mates. As a skill that only an extraordinary individual could perform--a person who perhaps exhibited a degree of laid-back leisure and who didn't have to expend full resources on the basics. This evolved artistic character could also be seen as taking part in casual, exploratory pursuits.
I beg to differ -
Early people didn’t have memories of “happy hunting grounds”. Those grounds were anything but happy. They were killing grounds where many of the tribesmen were injured or maimed by the prey they were hunting. Early hunting methods were primitive to say the least and many a hunter lost his life in the process.
If being inured with the outdoors and having it “etched” into our memories, why is it modern man rarely goes into the wilderness and chooses a cold one in front of the teley. Most if not all humans prefer the safety and comfort of a warm fire in an enclosed space, safe from predators. The outdoors was threatening and dangerous. That’s also why early man went into caves for protection and didn’t pitch camp in the open so to me the wilderness was something to get away from not embrace as homestead.
As for prospective mate gathering – here again I’m not so sure. If while painting on the cave walls, game passed the entrance and no effort were made to “gather” it, it would not endear one in the mate department. I would venture a wild guess that here is where the image of the “starving artist” may have evolved. Not to mention there are now many, many women doing art who don't care if a man can do it to support them.
Women, throughout history, as with men, are attracted to all types and not especially artist types. History shows us that an artist “type” may actually have lost marital status due to the ambiguity and uncertainty of ever garnering a suitable income. Where is all this leisure time Professor Dutton speaks of for artists?
This other area of artist as “specialized fitness” personality holds as much water a sieve.
Throughout history the number of artists are many. More than I can count with more on the way. So much for specialization!
One thing said here is referring to “natural selection”. Here I have no comment and I’m in full agreement.
I believe we are drawn to bucolic art mostly because viewing it is a benign act and it doesn’t challenge us. It’s there for simple visual beauty. It does not cause stimulating thought or worry. It is easy to understand and appreciate with no art training or understanding on behalf of the viewer. It’s that simple