This study investigates the interplay between form and meaning in artistic beauty, focusing on the perspectives of Thomas Aquinas and Eric Newton. The relationship between form and meaning is a fundamental concern in aesthetics, as it distinguishes the beauty of art from the natural world. While numerous scholars have examined the aesthetic dimensions of artworks, this research specifically delves into the interconnectedness of form and meaning through a comparative analysis of Aquinas' and Newton's theories.
By employing a qualitative research method involving document analysis and a comparative approach, this study reveals that both thinkers, despite their distinct philosophical frameworks, concur that form and meaning are inextricably linked in artistic creation. Aquinas posits that form serves as the foundational element of an artwork, shaping all other components, while meaning is inherently tied to this form. Newton, on the other hand, emphasizes the intentional structuring of form to convey specific meanings.
Artistic beauty, a fundamental concept in philosophy and aesthetics, has been a subject of enduring interest among thinkers. Two essential elements of an artwork, form and meaning, are inextricably linked in the aesthetic experience. Thomas Aquinas, a Christian philosopher and theologian, was one of the first to systematically explore the concept of beauty, drawing on the works of Albertus Magnus and Dionysius. Within the framework of Christian theology, Aquinas revived traditional medieval aesthetic concepts and argued that artistic beauty is intrinsically connected to both the form or appearance of the artwork (which aligns with its inner nature or meaning) and its semantic content (which is manifested in the artwork's appearance). In contrast, Eric Newton, a contemporary philosopher, contends that artistic beauty arises from the coherent and structured relationship between form and meaning. He posits that the meaning embedded within an artwork can be intuitively grasped, and that artists construct this structure through the elements they choose to incorporate into their work.
While artistic beauty has been extensively examined by numerous scholars, this study delves into a specific aspect that has been relatively unexplored: the interconnected roles of form and meaning in shaping our aesthetic experiences. By focusing on the perspectives of Thomas Aquinas and Eric Newton, this research aims to fill a gap in the existing literature.

Research Question
The central question guiding this research is: How do Thomas Aquinas and Eric Newton conceptualize the relationship between form and meaning in artistic beauty?
This research delves into the interconnected roles of form and meaning in shaping our aesthetic experiences, as conceptualized by Thomas Aquinas and Eric Newton. By focusing on these two philosophers’ perspectives on the artwork and its context, we aim to provide a more comprehensive and structured understanding of the relationship between form and meaning in artistic beauty