On the Internet, there is a question that caught my attention: "Why do people feel that Chinese civilization is very backward after visiting the museum?" "I have a different view on this issue, and I think this feeling may come from the following aspects:
First of all, we need to recognize that there is no necessary connection between the development of civilization and the degree of beauty of the artwork. The degree of development of a civilization is not only determined by the form of expression of its works of art, but more related to the development of ideas, materials and technologies. For example, without knowledge of perspective and human anatomy, it is difficult to reproduce the real human form on a flat surface; Without printing, printmaking could not have been made on a large scale. Therefore, although the final presentation of a work of art is closely related to technology, technology is not the only determining factor.
Second, we must realize that the concept of so-called "contemporaneity" is often relative. For example, we may think that civilizations of a certain period are in the same era, but in fact they are not. The trajectories of different regions and civilizations can vary greatly, so this needs to be taken into account when making comparisons.
Third, we cannot ignore the scope of the museum's collection and the diversity of the artifacts on display. Some people may have only been to a handful of museums or only seen a small number of artifacts, so their knowledge of certain civilizations may be relatively limited. In such a situation, it is easy to develop a one-sided view that one civilization is lagging behind others.
Against the backdrop of social polarization, the prevalence of pseudo-historiography, and the constant disparagement of the achievements of their own civilizations, it is not easy to maintain neutrality and objectively accept the achievements of different civilizations. However, I believe that such an attempt is crucial because it helps to promote communication and understanding among civilizations.
Historically, the style and form of a work of art have evolved over time and across geographies. For example, ancient Egyptian works of art were known for their realism and mystical themes, while medieval works of art were more practical and religious. This change is not only influenced by technology and concepts, but also closely related to factors such as social background and aesthetic tastes at that time.
As another example, compare medieval European and Chinese art. Although there are differences in some aspects, such as materials and technology, they are all reflections of the civilization of the time. The paintings of medieval Europe were mainly religious themes, focusing on the sacredness of the figures; Chinese artworks, on the other hand, embody more of the harmony and beauty between man and nature.
In addition, the museum's collections also influence people's perception of civilization. Many famous museums house artifacts from all over the world that showcase the uniqueness of different civilizations. However, in some domestic museums, because the display is mainly the historical artifacts of the country, it is easy to have a bias of "the superiority of the local civilization".
In summary, a museum tour is not only a cultural experience, but also an opportunity to inspire thought. Through the diversity of artworks and artifacts, we can better understand and respect the achievements and characteristics of different civilizations. Therefore, we should keep an open mind and continue to explore and learn in order to enrich our cultural horizons and promote the diversity and exchange of civilizations.