Meaning: The quote "Landscape is to American painting what sex and psychoanalysis are to the American novel" by Robert Hughes, an influential art critic and writer, offers an insightful comparison between the role of landscape in American painting and the themes of sex and psychoanalysis in American literature. This quote encapsulates the significant influence and prominence of landscape as a subject in American painting, drawing a parallel between the themes that have come to define American literature.

In the context of American painting, the landscape has been a prominent and enduring subject matter for artists throughout history. The vast and diverse landscapes of the United States, from the sweeping vistas of the American West to the tranquil scenes of the East Coast, have provided rich inspiration for generations of American artists. From the Hudson River School painters of the 19th century to the modernist interpretations of the 20th century, American landscape painting has been a central and defining genre within the nation's artistic tradition.

The quote also suggests that the landscape holds a similar significance in American painting as sex and psychoanalysis do in American literature. This comparison highlights the deep-rooted cultural and artistic importance of the landscape as a subject that has captivated and inspired American artists across different periods and movements. Just as the themes of sex and psychoanalysis have been central to the development of American literature, the portrayal of the landscape has been integral to the evolution of American painting.

Furthermore, the quote implies that the landscape serves as a fundamental and defining element of American painting, much like how sex and psychoanalysis have become defining themes in American literature. This comparison underscores the idea that the portrayal of the landscape is not merely a subject for American painters but rather a pervasive and integral aspect of the nation's artistic identity.

Robert Hughes, known for his incisive commentary on art and culture, likely intended this quote to provoke contemplation about the central themes and subjects that have come to define American artistic expression. By equating the role of landscape in American painting to the themes of sex and psychoanalysis in American literature, Hughes encourages a deeper consideration of the cultural and artistic significance of the landscape within the broader context of American art.

In conclusion, Robert Hughes' quote "Landscape is to American painting what sex and psychoanalysis are to the American novel" offers a thought-provoking comparison that underscores the enduring importance of the landscape as a subject in American painting. By drawing parallels between these different forms of artistic expression, Hughes prompts a deeper exploration of the cultural and thematic significance of the landscape within the context of American art. This quote serves as a testament to the profound influence and enduring relevance of the landscape as a defining element of American artistic tradition.