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About this quote

What does it mean?
The greatest artist integrates many profound ideas across their body of work.
In plain terms
Great artists combine many big ideas in their work.
What can you take from it?
Aim to embed deep concepts throughout your creations.

Where it applies

  • art criticism
  • creative practice
  • education

Putting it to work

  • study diverse philosophies
  • synthesize themes

Questions to consider

  • What makes an idea 'great' in art?
  • How can an artist balance many ideas?

Another view

Quantity of ideas does not guarantee artistic greatness.

More from John Ruskin

  1. He who has the truth at his heart need never fear the want of persuasion on his tongue.

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  2. The infinity of God is not mysterious, it is only unfathomable; not concealed, but incomprehensible; it is a clear infinity, the darkness of the pure unsearcha…

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  3. The world is full of vulgar Purists, who bring discredit on all selection by the silliness of their choice; and this the more, because the very becoming a Puri…

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