The Debate on Timeless Aesthetics: What Makes Art & Design Last?

The debate on timeless aesthetics is a complex and multifaceted discussion. There are many different perspectives on what makes art and design enduring and timeless.

For centuries, these disciplines have served as powerful symbols of beauty and culture. But what makes some pieces stand the test of time while others fade away? Can timelessness be achieved with minimalist aesthetics? And what constitutes timelessness in the first place? Isn’t it a purely subjective feeling? This is what I want to explore in this week’s column.

Timelessness as an abstract concept

Timelessness is an elusive and abstract concept. Who judges whether something is timeless or not? Just because I like design and art from the 1950s and consider them timeless, doesn’t mean everyone else feels the same way. But why is that? What exactly does the term even mean?

By definition, the concept of timeless aesthetics is an unchanging quality that is not bound by time. It describes a state in which a work of art, design, or idea remains relevant and valuable over and over again, regardless of ever-changing fashions and trends. Something timeless also has a universal character that is valid across generations and across different cultures.

What Makes Design Timeless?

In the world of design, the concept of timelessness presents an interesting challenge. In a time when trends change quickly, what does it take to create something that will remain relevant for years to come? Minimalist aesthetics are often seen as one way to achieve it because it focuses on simple, clean lines without ornamentation that can remain timeless for many years. However, when discussing the iconic designs of Charles and Ray Eames, which have been around for 70 years, can we truly call them timeless? I will answer this question later.

An important concept when discussing timeless design is the idea of “form follows function” – the idea that the form of a design should follow its intended purpose. This concept was first articulated in 1896 by the architect Louis Sullivan and was later interpreted further by the Bauhaus as a “renunciation of all ornamentation”.1 So, while decorations can often be associated with a particular stylistic era, timeless design will focus on the function of the piece and avoid any unnecessary ornamentation.

Charles Eames and Ray Eames, Pair of 'DCM' (Dining Chair Metal) chairs, designed 1946, ©Phillips Auction under Fair Use
Many of Charles & Ray Eames’ iconic designs seem timeless to many. But are they? Charles Eames and Ray Eames, Pair of ‘DCM’ (Dining Chair Metal) chairs, designed 1946, ©Phillips Auction under Fair Use
Credits Pierre Jeanneret, ‘Kangourou’ lounge chair
“Kangourou” Chair designed by Pierre Jeanneret in the 1950s. Currently, the chair is experiencing a comeback. Numerous suppliers sell replica of the design. Does this mean the design is timeless? ©Phillips Auction under Fair Use

In one of the last interviews about aesthetics, I spoke with designer Michael Anastassiades about the concept of timelessness. He said something very interesting: for him, timelessness can be achieved through a simple form, materials that change over time, and familiarity with the product. He believes that less detail in a product will keep it strong in its communication and make it timeless and relevant, and that familiarity with a product can help maintain its novelty over time.

I find his thoughts on the concept of familiarity to be particularly important to highlight here: A lot of Designers tend to focus on the aesthetic and functional elements rather than the emotions their design is meant to evoke. Familiarity is the foundation of the relationship between the design and the consumer. It builds trust and makes a design intuitive and understandable – isn’t it exactly these emotions that stand the test of time?

What About Art? Can Art be Timeless?

When it comes to art, I personally find the definition more difficult. Some argue that art is always a product of its time – an extract from the current personal and (socio)cultural circumstances. Others believe that art, regardless of its style, is timeless. It reflects themes and feelings that are still relevant today.

Let’s take Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa (La Gioconda) as an example. Although painted over 500 years ago, the Mona Lisa remains one of the most recognizable and iconic paintings in the world. Some might argue that her gentle smile is so timeless that it still inspires and captivates many people today. This is undoubtedly true. However, the style of the artwork is a classic example of Renaissance painting. This leads to the question: what constitutes timelessness in art? Is it the emotion it evokes in viewers?

For many, art with a minimalist aesthetic is timeless. What if we were to transport a painting by Ad Reinhard, Chung Chang-Sup, or Mark Rothko back to the Renaissance period? How would these artworks appear next to Renaissance art? What would people of the time think of such a work? What emotions would it evoke? This thought experiment offers an interesting perspective on the complexities of timelessness in art, underscoring the importance of context alongside emotional reaction.

Mark Rothko, White, Blacks, Grays on Maroon, 1963, © Kunsthaus Zürich
Imagine this picture would be taken back to the Renaissance period. How would people react to it? Would they consider it timeless? Mark Rothko, White, Blacks, Grays on Maroon, 1963. © Kunsthaus Zürich under Fair Use
Enric Mestre, About the Geometric Passion, 08 x 31,5 x 40 cm, Stoneware with calcined clay, decorated with engobe and glaze, 2007
Will the minimalist aesthetic of this sculpture by Enric Mestre be considered timeless 500 years from now? We will never know. Enric Mestre, About the Geometric Passion, 08 x 31,5 x 40 cm, Stoneware with calcined clay, decorated with engobe and glaze, 2007, © Enric Mestre under Fair Use

A difficult answer

In concluding my thoughts on the concept of timelessness, I’m still left without a definitive answer. Whether current designs and artworks will still be considered timeless in 200, 300, or even 500 years, we will unfortunately not witness. But this raises the question for me: Can our understanding of timelessness only be formed in retrospect? Can something from the future appear timeless to us in the present?

For me, the essence of timelessness is to create something so powerful that it inspires others to create their own work. And each new work that is generated – based on the original – is a testament to the lasting impression of the original piece. And that’s what makes it stand the test of time. Here the concept of familiarity proves itself once again. Both in art and design. Because something that is familiar to us feels timeless.

Regarding Charles and Ray Eames’s iconic designs, it is indeed possible to consider them timeless. Their designs have had such an impact on design and culture, that they still maintain relevance in different contexts. But I think it’s important to mention here that this can also be very subjective – in my humble opinion.

What do you think? What makes something timeless for you? I’d love to hear your point of view!

Further Reading

https://www.aesence.com/a-conversation-on-aesthetics-with-michael-anastassiades
https://www.aesence.com/does-good-design-have-to-be-aesthetic/
https://leaddev.com/product-management/do-successful-products-prioritize-familiarity-over-uniqueness

1 https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Form_follows_function


About Exploring Aesthetics:

Sarah loves asking questions and exploring the things she engages with on a daily basis. Exploring aesthetics is her column which discusses art, design, and aesthetics to explore, inspire, and question the status quo.

  1. Thanks Sarah, I found this post extremely interesting! Yes, the discussion is indeed multifaceted and complex. I especially appreciate the emphasis on the importance of emotion and familiarity when it comes to timeless design.

    1. Thanks for the kind words, Simon! I’m glad you found the article interesting. Yes, I believe the notion of timelessness is a complex one, and it is important to consider the emotions and familiarity that a piece of art or design is able to evoke in order to determine if it is timeless or not. Thanks again for your feedback!

  2. I believe timelessness can be found in those designs, works of art, and ideas which capture the essence of human emotion and experience. Something that speaks to the soul, that transcends time and trend. I believe works that maintain both relevance and novelty over time, while still being intuitive and understandable, have the potential to be timeless.

  3. hi, I think it’s not good to call things like the Charles and Ray Eames’ designs timeless. they may have been popular in the past, but their aesthetic is outdated and doesn’t reflect current trends. at least in my eyes.

  4. Delightful read about the elements that make art and design timeless! I found your insight on the relevance of emotion very interesting and spot on. Designer Michael Anastassiades’ point about maintaining strong communication is also super interesting and eye-opening! I would like to add in addition to evoking emotions of familiarity, the duality between artwork being relatable and rather unfamiliar is what truly maintains novelty over time. Many “timeless” pieces will always have something more to see no matter how many times we look. This feeling of both full realization and air of mystery is what I believe is the defining characteristic of timeless art and design. Thank you for the great read Sarah!

    1. Hi Philip, thank you for your valuable comment! That’s a very interesting point you made! It makes us feel like there’s more to discover, and it invites us to dive deeper into the work to better understand it. And sure, this keeps it relevant and interesting for generations.

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Aesence is a creative studio and digital design magazine with a high curatorial approach. Founded by Sarah Dorweiler, a creative mind and entrepreneur from Berlin, her goal is to capture the feeling of harmony, balance and inner peace in her curatorial work and photography.