Meaning: Pablo Picasso, the renowned Spanish painter and sculptor, was known for his revolutionary artistic style and innovative approach to art. In this quote, Picasso challenges the traditional notion of art as the application of a predetermined standard of beauty. Rather, he suggests that art is the product of instinct and imagination, unconstrained by any established canon or set of rules.

Picasso's assertion that "Art is not the application of a canon of beauty" reflects his rejection of the idea that art should conform to a specific set of aesthetic principles or standards. Throughout his career, Picasso consistently defied artistic conventions and norms, pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic representation. He sought to liberate art from the constraints of established beauty norms, allowing for a more expansive and diverse range of artistic expression.

The phrase "but what the instinct and the brain can conceive beyond any canon" underscores Picasso's belief in the power of creativity and imagination in the artistic process. For Picasso, art is not limited by external rules or guidelines but is instead a manifestation of the artist's inner vision and intellectual capacity. This idea aligns with Picasso's own artistic trajectory, characterized by his bold experimentation and willingness to challenge prevailing artistic paradigms.

Picasso's analogy of loving a woman without measuring her limbs serves as a metaphor for his approach to art. By comparing the act of loving a woman to the creation of art, Picasso emphasizes the importance of seeing beyond superficial measurements and instead focusing on a deeper, more intuitive understanding. In the context of art, this suggests a rejection of mere technical precision or adherence to preconceived standards of beauty in favor of a more profound, instinctual approach to creation.

In essence, Picasso's quote encapsulates his belief in the primacy of individual expression and originality in art. He advocates for an art form that is driven by personal instinct and intellectual conception, rather than by adherence to external rules or standards of beauty. This perspective aligns with Picasso's own artistic legacy, which continues to inspire artists to break free from traditional constraints and embrace a more subjective and unrestricted approach to artistic creation.

In conclusion, Pablo Picasso's quote underscores his rejection of established canons of beauty in art and his advocacy for a more instinctual and imaginative approach to artistic creation. By emphasizing the role of individual vision and creativity, Picasso challenges the notion that art should be bound by predetermined aesthetic standards. His words serve as a reminder of the enduring power of artistic innovation and the limitless potential of human imagination in shaping the world of art.