Art is not the application of a canon of beauty but what the instinct and the brain can conceive beyond any canon. When we love a woman we don't start measuring her limbs.

The quote "Art is not the application of a canon of beauty but what the instinct and the brain can conceive beyond any canon. When we love a woman we don't start measuring her limbs." by Pablo Picasso emphasizes his belief that art should not be confined to traditional rules or standards of beauty. Picasso challenges the idea of adhering to a rigid set of guidelines or a “canon” when creating art. Instead, he advocates for creativity, where true artistic expression comes from the imagination, instinct, and personal perception, going beyond any conventional ideas of what is considered beautiful.

Picasso's comparison of loving a woman to appreciating art suggests that love, much like art, is not about measuring or fitting into predefined categories. In the same way that we don’t judge or objectify a person by physical standards when we love them, art should not be reduced to a formulaic or superficial interpretation. Love and art are both deeply emotional and personal experiences, with beauty being something that transcends external appearances or societal expectations.

The phrase "what the instinct and the brain can conceive beyond any canon" reflects Picasso’s avant-garde approach to artistic expression, where breaking free from established norms allowed for the creation of something new, fresh, and unconventional. This notion of freedom in art aligns with Picasso’s own revolutionary works, where he embraced innovation and deviation from traditional forms.

Ultimately, Picasso’s quote encourages a deeper and more personal understanding of art and beauty. It advocates for the idea that true creativity and love are based on individual perception, not on external standards or measurements, and emphasizes the importance of seeing beyond surface-level features to connect with the essence of something or someone.