Aesthetic Responses to a Series of Paintings by Paul Klee

Abstract

The effects of exposure to a series of colour slides of paintings by Paul Klee were assessed with 69 nonexpert subjects. All subjects viewed the same 2 paintings by Klee while the other 10 paintings were varied between groups. The control group viewed paintings by 10 different artists (da Vinci, Picasso, Rubens, Dali). The first experimental group viewed 10 different paintings by Klee while the second experimental group saw 3 Klees in close detail. Differences in response to the 2 Klees seen by every group comprised the empirical data. The experimental groups produced higher ratings on questions of painting style; it was judged significantly more ‘clear’ and ‘representational’ in comparison with control group scores. Emotional expression was also significantly affected, but ratings of liking the painting were not generally changed. The effects of familiarity depend upon the nature of the aesthetic response being evaluated. Familiarity breeds understanding and perhaps comfort, but not increased interest.