Aesthetics is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature and appreciation of art, beauty, and taste; aesthetics is central to any exploration of art. The word "aesthetic" is derived from the Greek "aisthetikos," meaning "esthetic, sensitive, or sentient. " In practice, aesthetic judgment refers to the sensory contemplation or appreciation of an object (not necessarily a work of art), while artistic judgment refers to the recognition, appreciation, or criticism of a work of art.
Source: Boundless. “What Makes Art Beautiful?.” Boundless Art History. Boundless, 21 Jul. 2015. Retrieved 12 Aug. 2015 from https://www.boundless.com/art-history/textbooks/boundless-art-history-textbook/thinking-and-talking-about-art-1/what-is-art-38/what-makes-art-beautiful-244-4297/