A mediocre man copying nature will never produce a work of art, because he really looks without seeing, and though he may have noted each detail minutely, the result will be flat and without character... the artist on the contrary, sees; that is to say, his eye, grafted on his heart, reads deeply into the bosom of nature.

The delicate droop of the petals standing out in relief, is like the eyelid of a child.

The work of art is already within the block of marble. I just chop off whatever isn't needed.

Even with all the documents, you can never forge nature

It is the artist who is truthful and it is photography which lies, for in reality time does not stop

I would have to talk for a year to repeat a single on of my works with words.

Mere exactitude, of which photography and moulage [life casting] are the lowest forms, does not inspire feelings.