"The vast majority of English folk cannot and will not consider a picture as a picture, apart from any story which it may be supposed to tell"

James Whistler's quote, "The huge bulk of English folk can not and will not consider a picture as an image, apart from any story which it may be expected to tell", shows a poignant review of how art was viewed and appreciated by the public during his time. Whistler, a supporter of the Aesthetic Movement, thought that art needs to be valued for its appeal and type, independent of narrative content. His statement highlights an essential tension between two different methods to art gratitude: one that values narrative context and one that values purely aesthetic qualities.

In the late 19th century, when Whistler was active, art was frequently seen as a vehicle for storytelling or ethical lessons. Many individuals sought out the underlying narrative or message within an operate in order to better understand and get in touch with it. This conventional view suggested that art served a didactic purpose or was a medium to reflect social realities, spiritual themes, or historical occasions.

Whistler's point of view, nevertheless, obstacles this narrative-centric view. By highlighting the importance of viewing a picture "as an image", he calls for an appreciation of art based upon its official qualities-- such as color, composition, line, and texture-- unrelated to any external narrative. He was arguing for a more purist understanding, where the intrinsic appeal, psychological resonance, and sensual experiences provided by the artwork stood critical.

In essence, Whistler's statement is a review of his modern audience's reliance on stories in art, which might restrict their capability to appreciate the nuanced beauty and profound visual communication inherent within a piece. His advocacy for "art for art's sake" suggests that engaging with a piece visually and mentally, without the intermediary of a story, can offer a purer and potentially more extensive experience. Whistler was urging his audience to trust their senses and understandings, liberating art from the boundaries of narrative and enabling it to speak in its own visual language.