In this week’s “Sightings” column, which appears in Saturday’s Wall Street Journal, I report on a visit I paid to an exhibition of paintings by Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries, some of whom were influenced by him to the point of outright imitation. What did I learn from the experience? That second-rate art, however derivative, can sometimes teach you as much as first-rate art about the nature of greatness.
To find out more, pick up a copy of tomorrow’s Journal and turn to the “Pursuits” section.