Aesthetic Critique: Principles of Aesthetics

Aesthetic Critique: Principles of Aesthetics is a Daily Commission in Fontaine.

Steps[]

There are multiple versions of this daily commission with the same name.

Photo Version

Talk to Depierris
Take the required photo underwater
Report back to Depierris

Food Version

Talk to Depierris
Bring food back to Depierris

Locations[]

Rewards[]

This commission grants the following AR-dependent rewards upon completion:

Adventure Rank
12–15	10	175	2,775	25	1–4	0–1
16–20	10	200	3,200	30	1–4	0–1
21–25	10	200	3,625	35	1–3	0–2
26–30	10	225	4,050	35	1–3	0–2
31–35	10	225	4,475	40	1–3	0–2
36–40	10	250	4,900	45	0–2	1–3
41–45	10	250	5,325	50	0–2	1–3
46–50	10	250	5,750	50	0–2	1–3
51–55	10	250	6,150	55	0–1	1–4
56–59	10	250	6,575	60	0–1	1–4
60	10	—	9,075	60	0–1	1–4

Dialogue[]

Photo Version[]

Quest Description

The painter Depierris seems to be very unhappy...

(Talk to Depierris)

(If player has not completed the commission before)

Depierris: It lacks tension... What's going on?

Depierris: I feel like we're missing something... decisive...

Taking photos, are we?

Depierris: That's right — this Kamera is the engine of inspiration for my paintings.

Are you a Kamera hobbyist?

Depierris: The Kamera, my hobby? No, no, it is merely a reference tool — I am fonder of my paintbrush by far.

Depierris: My name is Depierris, and I am a painter — most pleased to meet you, most pleased indeed!

Uh... huh. Likewise...?

Depierris: Now, I would normally treat a newfound friend to a coffee, but alas, there is no café to be found nearby.

Depierris: Hmm. Well, why don't you take this Fonta — let us have a toast, and we'll consider ourselves formally acquainted! Have you been to Fontaine before, by the way?

I'm a first-time visitor.

Depierris: Ah, then you're in for a good time! Head into the city and see the sights — like the waterways stretching out overhead!

Depierris: Then you can head out into the streets and see the intricate machines, even if not all of them have aesthetic value — well, in the opinion of this humble painter, anyway.

Depierris: And finally, you can sit yourself down at a café and appreciate a cup of coffee.

Depierris: Who knows, perhaps someone will come to chat you up while you do so!

Depierris: Still, if the person who comes up to you claims to be from some sort of "Kamera Club"...

Depierris: Then be on your guard for their words of folly... There are those amongst them who are engaged in it, in any case.

And what are these elements doing exactly?

Depierris: What, you ask? No less than set cultural life in our grand Fontaine on the path to annihilation!

Will these... elements do anything to me?

Depierris: Just as they have done for Fontaine — they will destroy the cultural life you should have shared in.

Depierris: Now, this is no mere fearmongering. Can you guess what they speak of in this club?

Depierris: "If we speak only of pictures, then those taken by Kameras are far superior to paintings."

Depierris: I mean, just listen to that "if we speak only of pictures" nonsense — and it is but nonsense, no matter how loudly they proclaim it to be the truth!

Depierris: If we simply present images as they are, where would the space be for aesthetics?

Depierris: Well, it is true that some of us are indeed figuring out how to draw even better naturalistic work... But even that is rooted in their aesthetic sense.

Depierris: Aesthetics! Aesthetics are the key — do you understand?

N—Not really...

S—Somewhat?

Depierris: The observation of the world through the artist's eyes is merely the first step. We must explore sensibility and beauty through the brush to bring a masterpiece forth from the heart.

Depierris: Not all those who love Kameras are brutish imbeciles bereft of all artistic sense, of course.

Depierris: I have many friends who love Kameras, and I love speaking to them. At times, their photos inspire me, and my paintings inspire them in turn.

Depierris: Those who know nothing of art and only know how to blow their own trumpets... Oh, how they make my blood boil!

Depierris: They disgrace those who love photography and painting alike! They truly are... *cough*... *cough*

Calm down, get some water...

Depierris: Ah, thank you... I cannot prevent my rage from boiling over every time I speak of this matter.

Depierris: As such, I, along with some friends, have decided to use this Kamera to take pictures that may be used as material with which to create a series of paintings.

Depierris: Afterward, we will place these paintings alongside the pictures used to create them in an exhibition — and then, all shall see the difference between paintings and photography!

Depierris: Yet, *sigh* I see little meaning in the various pictures I've taken. My friends tell me that the best sights may be found in the direst of lands.

Depierris: Underwater, for example, or on cliffs, or perhaps the deep wood where few humans go... But I dare not go to such places alone.

Depierris: And hiring adventurers may take too much time...

Depierris: Hmm... Dear (‍sir/lady‍), would you mind coming under an artist's employ?

As long as you don't make me do the painting...

I'm only really good at adventurer stuff.

Depierris: No need to worry! We shall both simply do what we're good at.

Depierris: You need not worry about the payment either. I often hire adventurers as guards on my inspiration-gathering trips, so I know the rules.

Depierris: It's just that this matter was too urgent, and I could not hire anyone in time...

Depierris: Well, that's settled, then. With your help, I grow ever more confident in my odds of producing good work.

Depierris: Let me see... Those friends of mine gave me some suggestions that I've written in my notebook.

(One of the following branches will be chosen at random)

(If player has completed the commission before)

Depierris: Traveler! You've come at just the right time! I just found a wonderous photo-taking spot — all I need is a little help from you!

Still looking for inspiration, are you?

Depierris: Of course. This is far from enough materials — a single photo will not allow me to create a full picture.

Depierris: I usually need several dozen pictures — sometimes even a hundred — for use as reference material.

That many, huh...

Do the pictures have different uses?

Depierris: As I've told you before, the focus of painting is "creation."

Depierris: If you simply impress the things you see upon the canvas as-is, that is not "painting" — that is "photography."

Depierris: What a painter must truly do is to use their sensitivity and aesthetic sense to observe the world around them, before curating, transforming, and editing it...

Depierris: Until such a time as the most beautiful aspect of every object can be abstracted and then engraved upon the canvas to complete one painting.

Well, that was clear as mud.

Speak more simply!

Depierris: You... Alright. Basically, I'll only use the prettiest pars of these pictures as reference.

Depierris: For example, the light-shadow balance here is excellent, but the scenery is lacking by contrast — as such, I will only refer to its use of the former.

Depierris: The other picture contains a traveler in a most fascinating pose, and the next features a most magnificent building...

Depierris: It is almost like playing with a puzzle in you mind, with the beauty or beastliness of the final product depending solely on your aesthetics and understanding.

Depierris: This is not as rigorous way of putting things, since we can also change or abstract the sights within the reference material themselves... but that's all you need to understand.

So you still need my help, please and thank me.

So I'll have to continue gathering materials for you, or something.

Depierris: Um... Right, yes, that's right! Your photo taking skills are incredible — indeed, my friends have wanted to come see you in person after witnessing your work.

Depierris: I'm sure that with your help, I'll be able to create something truly extraordinary.

Depierris: So please, for the sake of human aesthetics — and for the Mora I've prepared — please help me!

Depierris: Let me see... Those friends of mine gave me some suggestions that I've written in my notebook.

(One of the following branches will be chosen at random)

(Aquatic plants version)

Depierris: Aquatic plants... waving... light and shadow... change... What was I writing? Had I had too much to drink? ... Yeah, that must've been it...

Depierris: Ahem. Please help me go underwater and take a picture of those aquatic plants.

Depierris: It seems that I was quite interested in the lights and shadows upon the aquatic plants back when I wrote these notes.

(Underwater ruins version)

Depierris: "The great underwater ruins!"

Depierris: Seriously? I wrote those words with such force that the paper nearly tore...

Depierris: But I do suppose that such a place might suggest a unique beauty.

Depierris: Well, in that case, please help me take a picture of just such ruins — the larger the better, the more horribly ruined the better!

(Underwater rugged rocks version)

Depierris: What did I even write here? Let me see... Uh, underwater... rugged rocks... the plants on the rocks... the rocks' contours...

Depierris: Uh, yes, that's right. I was studying rocks — obsessively, in fact, for their ability to best exhibit natural beauty.

Depierris: Anyway, I'd like you to help me snap a shot of underwater rocks. I wonder what their contours will be like...

(Talk to Depierris again, optional): Depierris: Aesthetics — aesthetics are the key!

(Take a photo): Paimon: Well, that's the photo taken! Let's head back to that artist!

(Return to Depierris): Depierris: Have you got the picture?; Here it is.; Depierris: Let me see...; Depierris: Ah! Perfection! Perfection! I never expected you to be quite so outstanding a photographer.; Depierris: From this image shall I filter the best material possible!; Depierris: Thank you so much. Mm... Where did I leave that Mora...; Depierris: Alright, this is for you — please, take it! If the chance arises in the future, please, do help me take a few more pictures!; Depierris: Now then... What about the composition...

Food Version[]

Quest Description

The painter Depierris seems to be very unhappy...

(Talk to Depierris): Depierris: This... This isn't good...; What photo do you need taken this time?; Where to this time?; Depierris: This time... Well, there's no need to take any photos. Actually, I have another favor to ask of you.; Depierris: Ahem, this is quite embarrassing, but, ah... Could you help me find something to eat... Garlic Baguette, for example?; You... didn't bring anything to eat?; Did you... run out of Mora to buy food?; Depierris: No! I brought a lot of bread, along with some jam and jerky. That should've been enough for the day...; Depierris: But I put the foodstuffs aside to focus on the painting, and I soon got engrossed... By the time I realized that I was hungry, they were gone.; Depierris: Maybe some animal or hungry passerby made off with it on the sly — in which case, I do hope it fills their tummies.; Depierris: Unfortunately, mine shall have to be filled some other way... And I cannot return to the city now — not without having gathered enough material.; Wait just a moment, then.; I'll get you what you need.; Depierris: I'll be counting on you, then. You can get some in the city.; Depierris: Haha... Ooh, I feel a little weak. Is it the hunger? Or have I just been thinking too much...

(Talk to Depierris again)

Depierris: Have you managed to get some Garlic Baguette?

(Submit Garlic Baguette)

Depierris: Thank you for your help! This should be enough to fill my stomach...

Depierris: Here, you've earned this. Now, to grab a few quick bites...

Depierris: It might be worth bringing biscuits that may be stored in my bag next time...

Other Languages[]

Language	Official Name	Literal Meaning
English	Aesthetic Critique: Principles of Aesthetics	—
Chinese (Simplified)	审美力批判・美学原理批判 Shěnměi-lì Pīpàn - Měixué Yuánlǐ Pīpàn
Chinese (Traditional)	審美能力批判・美學原理批判 Shěnměi Nénglì Pīpàn - Měixué Yuánlǐ Pīpàn
Japanese	審美眼の評定・美学原理の批判 Shinbigan no Hyoutei - Bigaku Genri no Hihan
Korean	심미 비평・미학 원리 비판 Simmi Bipyeong - Mihak Wolli Bipan	Aesthetic Critique: Criticism on Principles of Aesthetics
Spanish	Crítica estética: los principios de la belleza	Aesthetic Critique: The Principles of Beauty
French	Critique esthétique : Principes de l'élégance	Aesthetic Critique: Principles of Elegance
Russian	Эстетическая критика: Принципы эстетики Esteticheskaya kritika: Printsipy estetiki	Aesthetic Critique: Principles of Aesthetics
Thai	สุนทรียวิจารณ์ - การวิพากษ์หลักการสุนทรียศาสตร์
Vietnamese	Phê Bình Thẩm Mỹ - Nguyên Lý Mỹ Thuật
German	Ästhetische Kritik: Kritik der ästhetischen Prinzipien	Aesthetic Critique: Critique of Aesthetic Principles
Indonesian	Kritik Estetika: Prinsip-Prinsip Dasar	Aesthetic Critique: Basic Principles
Portuguese	Crítica Estética: Princípios da Estética
Turkish	Estetik Eleştiri: Estetiğin İlkeleri	Aesthetic Criticism: Aesthetic's Principles
Italian	Critica estetica: Princìpi dell'estetica	Aesthetic Critique: Principles of Aesthetics

Change History[]

Released in Version 4.0

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