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Why did art criticism become more influential during the 19th century?

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Painting by Gustave Courbet showing the artist at his easel in a crowded studio, surrounded by figures including a nude model, onlookers, and a child with a white dog. — Art criticism *The Painter's Studio*, oil on canvas by Gustave Courbet, 1854–55, in the Musée d'Orsay, Paris, France.

Art criticism gained significant influence during the 19th century as the art world underwent a transition from state-controlled systems to a more volatile, freelance market. Several key factors contributed to this shift:

Shift in Artistic Production: Artists moved away from traditional church or state commissions toward a freelance model. As they produced work for an uncertain market, the need to interpret and justify these new, often rebellious styles grew, making critics essential intermediaries between artists and the public.1
Democratization and Literacy: The Industrial Revolution and the expansion of museums and libraries fostered a broader, more literate public interested in cultural developments. Criticism emerged as a journalistic effort to sort through the resulting abundance and diversity of art.1
Legislating Value: Critics began using theoretical analysis to rationalize their appreciation of specific artists. By publishing reviews in influential magazines, they could shape public opinion, effectively "legislating" which works were considered masterpieces and significantly impacting an artist's market value.1
Advocacy for the Avant-Garde: As artists like Gustave Courbet and the Impressionists challenged academic standards, critics became vital defenders. Figures such as John Ruskin and Albert Aurier provided the theoretical frameworks that helped the public understand and eventually embrace radical new movements.12