Meaning: This quote by John Ruskin, a prominent English art critic and writer of the 19th century, speaks to the idea of greatness in art and the embodiment of significant ideas within an artist's body of work. Ruskin was known for his influential writings on art and architecture, and his thoughts on the nature of artistic achievement continue to resonate in artistic and cultural discourse today.

Ruskin's assertion that "He is the greatest artist who has embodied, in the sum of his works, the greatest number of the greatest ideas" emphasizes the idea that artistic greatness is not solely determined by technical skill or aesthetic appeal, but also by the depth and breadth of ideas conveyed through an artist's creations. This perspective challenges the notion of greatness in art as being solely based on popular acclaim or commercial success, instead placing emphasis on the intellectual and conceptual richness of an artist's body of work.

One key aspect of Ruskin's quote is the emphasis on the "greatest ideas," suggesting that the quality of ideas expressed in an artist's work is paramount. This notion aligns with Ruskin's broader philosophical and critical outlook, which emphasized the moral and intellectual dimensions of art. For Ruskin, art was a means of communicating profound and enduring truths about the human experience and the natural world, and the artist's ability to engage with these significant ideas was a measure of their greatness.

Furthermore, the notion of embodying ideas in the "sum of his works" suggests that Ruskin valued the cumulative impact of an artist's entire oeuvre. Rather than focusing on individual masterpieces or singular achievements, Ruskin's perspective implies that artistic greatness emerges from the collective body of an artist's output. This holistic view of artistic achievement encourages us to consider an artist's entire career and the thematic coherence and intellectual depth that may emerge across their various works.

Ruskin's quote also prompts us to consider the relationship between art and ideas, highlighting the capacity of art to serve as a vehicle for the expression and exploration of profound concepts. In this sense, the quote invites us to reflect on the intellectual and philosophical dimensions of art, challenging us to look beyond surface aesthetics and consider the deeper conceptual underpinnings of artistic practice.

In conclusion, John Ruskin's quote encapsulates a thought-provoking perspective on artistic greatness, emphasizing the importance of ideas and the cumulative impact of an artist's body of work. It encourages us to consider the intellectual and philosophical dimensions of art and challenges traditional notions of artistic achievement. By foregrounding the embodiment of significant ideas within an artist's creations, Ruskin's quote invites us to engage with art in a more profound and intellectually stimulating manner, prompting us to seek out and appreciate the richness of ideas that great artists convey through their work.