The artist is the child of his time; but woe to him if he is also its disciple, or even its favorite.

Summary

This quote suggests that although art is influenced by the prevailing period, an artist must not simply imitate or conform to the ideas of their time. They should not blindly follow the established norms, trends, or popular opinions. It implies that true artists should strive to transcend the limitations of their era, challenge conventions, and offer fresh perspectives. The quote reminds artists to maintain originality and avoid becoming mere products of their time, illustrating that true artistic creation requires independence and a willingness to go against the status quo.