Andrea Del Sarto Summary | Robert Browning
Poem Explanation, Themes & Quotes
Robert Browning's poem “Andrea Del Sarto” is a very important and
exam-useful poem for students of English Literature. This poem is based on deep
topics like Art, Artist Psychology, Failure, Skill vs Inspiration, which makes
it special for both university and competitive exams.
This poem tells the story of a painter who is perfect in technique, but
is unable to achieve greatness in life and art. If you are searching for Andrea
Del Sarto Summary, Theme of Andrea Del Sarto, or Exam Ready Notes, then this
article will prove to be very useful for you.
Here simple summary of the poem, main topic and answers, to be written
in the exam, are given in easy language, so that students can understand the
poem correctly without difficult words.
Short Summary
“Andrea Del Sarto” is a dramatic poem by Robert Browning. In this poem,
the painter Andrea del Sarto talks to his wife Lucrezia. He is a very skilled
painter. There are no technical mistakes in his paintings. That is why he is
called ‘Faultless Painter’.
But, he admits that his art did not become great. He lacks height and
soul. He remembers artists like Michelangelo and Raphael. He was not perfect,
yet his art is immortal.
Andrea blames his failure on his wife and circumstances. He is sad and
disappointed. The poem shows that technical skill alone does not lead to
greatness.
Themes
(i) Skill vs Inspiration
The poem tells that skill alone is not enough.
Great art requires inspiration and soul.
(ii) Failure of an Artist
Andrea is a failed artist.
He is perfect, but could not become great.
(iii) Influence of Wife
Lucrezia's influence on Andrea's life is negative.
He compromises her dreams.
(iv) Regret and Self-Pity
Andrea feels remorse throughout the poem.
He considers himself weak and a victim of fate.
Let’s come to know more about the poem, “Andrea
Del Sarto” in easy words:
“Andrea Del Sarto” is a famous poem by the English poet Robert Browning. This poem is a dramatic monologue. In this poem, the painter, Andrea del Sarto is seen talking to his wife Lucrezia.
This poem tells the story of an artist who is very skilled in technique,
but weak in mind and spirit.
The main theme in simple words:
Andrea del Sarto was a famous Italian painter.
There are no mistakes in his paintings, hence he is called “The
Faultless Painter”.
But his art lacks emotion and height.
On the other hand, the technique of artists like Michelangelo and
Raphael was not perfect, yet their art had soul and greatness.
Quote of the poem:
Andrea admits that he did not reach his goal because of his wife
Lucrezia.
He blames his failure on his circumstances and his wife.
Inside he is sad and remorseful.
He knows he has the skill, but not the inspiration.
Main Message:
Technical proficiency alone is not enough.
Great art requires soul, courage, and high dreams.
A person who compromises with his dreams cannot become great.
In short:
“Andrea Del Sarto” is the story of an artist who is perfect, but not
great.
This poem teaches us that success is not just about not making mistakes,
but it is also important to aim high.
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