“The true test of the greatness of a work of art is its ability to be understood by the masses.”
The subject of 'greatness' of a work of art is a subject with many aspects to it. For the most part, however, it is true that the true test of the greatness of a work of art is its ability to be understood by the masses.
The greatness of art itself is a subjective matter and what constitutes greatness depends on who you ask. To the high-brow editorial critic for example, it may mean more things than to the regular readers of a novel. One person may view a Beatles tune less favorably than say a Beethoven symphony. Another person may have the exact opposive view and may view the symphony more favorably. Greatness of a piece of art reflects the value each individual places of the various aspects of the artform and hence is a very subjective matter.
Having said that, most great art is also vastly popular and enjoyed by many. The greatness of Leonardo Da Vinci is both agreed upon by art critics and most regular people as well. The long lines in the Louvre bear testament to the fact that he is undoubtedly hugely popular and viewed by the many as so. The same is the case for works by Michaelangelo. One can experience the greatness of the Falling Waters by Frank Lloyd Wright through an immediate appreciation and understanding of the integration of the building with the environment it is built in. Little wonder that he is one the the greatest architects of all time.
By the same token some art forms maybe popular but may not necessarily be fully understood by the masses. Shakespeare for example is hugely popular by understanding him fully requires deep study as is attested by various courses that universities offer to study his works.
And finally, even if an art form is not understood fully understood by the masses at that moment in time, it can be great art as it is discovered over time. A Van Gogh may not have been recognized when he worked up his art, but over time people recognize and understand it and this is often the case with artists that are ahead of their times.
In summary, while 'greatness' of an artwork is a subjective matter, it is true that most artists considered 'great' are broadly accepted as so and are also widely understood, if not by the masses at that particular time in history, definitely so at some later period in time.
