* Deep understanding of art history and theory: Knowing the historical context of a work, its relationship to artistic movements and styles, and the relevant theoretical frameworks (e.g., formalism, psychoanalysis, feminism) allows critics to place the artwork within a larger conversation and assess its innovations or contributions.
* Technical expertise: Familiarity with the artistic techniques used (e.g., brushstrokes, composition, materials) helps critics analyze the artist's skill, choices, and effectiveness in executing their vision. This goes beyond simply identifying the medium; it involves understanding how the techniques contribute to the overall meaning and impact.
* Strong analytical skills: Critics must be able to break down a work into its component parts (form, content, style, etc.) and analyze how these parts interact to create the whole. They need to identify the artist's intentions (as far as they can be discerned) and evaluate how successfully those intentions are realized.
* Clear and persuasive writing skills: Even the most insightful analysis is useless if it cannot be communicated effectively. Critics need to be able to articulate their ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively, using vivid language to convey their experience of the artwork.
* Openness to diverse perspectives and interpretations: Art is subjective, and there's rarely one "right" interpretation. Good critics are open to different perspectives and acknowledge the validity of multiple readings, even if they don't necessarily agree with them. They should avoid imposing their own biases or preconceived notions.
* Ethical considerations: Critics have a responsibility to be fair, honest, and respectful in their assessments. They should avoid personal attacks or biased language and consider the broader impact of their words on the artist and the art world.
In short, backing up judgments about art requires a sophisticated combination of knowledge, skill, and ethical awareness. It's a rigorous intellectual endeavor, not simply a matter of personal preference.