"Painting, n.: The art of protecting flat surfaces from the weather, and exposing them to the critic"

This quote by Ambrose Bierce is an amusing take on the art of painting. He is recommending that painting is a method of safeguarding flat surface areas from the weather condition, however likewise exposing them to the criticism of others. This could be translated as a metaphor for the artist's experience of producing a masterpiece. The artist is protecting their work from the components, however also exposing it to the judgement of the general public. The quote could also be translated as a commentary on the nature of art itself. Painting is a method of preserving a minute in time, but it is also available to analysis and criticism. It is a way of revealing oneself, but likewise a way of inviting judgement from others. Eventually, this quote is a humorous method of highlighting the duality of painting as both a kind of security and a kind of exposure.