When exactly did artists decide that they were different from ordinary mortals, that in all likelihood they were superior to the rest of us? Or, viewed differently, when were they granted such a privileged status? When did Western societies start venerating them as sensitive, misunderstood geniuses?

Very provocative questions! These questions are the opening pargraph of this excellent article by Alan Riding, exploring the history of the tortured artist myth.

Or is it a myth?

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