Sublimity and beauty: A view from nursing aesthetics

Abstract

Background: Several authors have focused on the aesthetics of nursing care from diverse perspectives; however, there are few studies about the sublime and the beautiful in nursing. Aim: To identify beautiful and sublime moments in the context of the aesthetics of nursing care. Methods: A theoretical reflection has been contemplated about sublime and beautiful values in the context of the aesthetics of nursing care from the cultural history perspective. For that purpose, a revision of this issue has been completed. The terms ‘beautiful’ and ‘sublime’ have been analysed to identify the characteristics of both in the context of nursing care. Ethical consideration: We have followed all ethical requirements regarding the sources, conducting research and authorship. There is no conflict of interest in this paper. Results: With aesthetic knowledge, the nurse expresses the artistic nature of nursing care by appreciating the act of caring for individuals. The sublime is a complex phenomenon, since apparently contrary feelings are interwoven. Nursing care is an art with an anthropological object-subject on which the ‘artist’ applies their prior knowledge and skills. Feelings and emotions that develop during the clinical nursing practice – especially at times sublime and beautiful, aesthetic – constitute experiences which are professionally significant.