When evaluating a work of art, should the character or backstory of the artist be taken into account, or should the work itself stand on its own merit?
For instance, take a piece of music, which, on its own, seems a mediocre work (the question of subjective vs. objective standards is a different thread). Would the revelation that the composer is 12 years old change your opinion of the piece? Is the music itself now a better piece of music taking into account the age of the artist?
Now consider Richard Wagner. Wagner wrote some of the most brilliant music ever, in many ways redefining the course of Western "classical" music as well as dramatic convention and even theater design. He was also an unrelentingly arrogant, megalomaniacal, anti-semitic, misogynistic, hypocritical, general all-around ass. Should that knowledge affect one's appreciation for his music?
Discuss!