"The works of art, by being publicly exhibited and offered for sale, are becoming articles of trade, following as such the unreasoning laws of markets and fashion; and public and even private patronage is swayed by their tyrannical influence."[1]
Simple: The works of art, by being publicly on show and offered for sale, going after as such the unreasoning laws of trade and fashion; and public and even private support is leaned by their brutal guidance.
About the quote: Speaking at a Royal Academy dinner in 1851.
References
↑"Albert, Prince" The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations. Ed. Elizabeth Knowles. Oxford University Press, 2004. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. Accessed on 20 November 2008