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

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.

If the artist only reproduces superficial features as photography does, if he copies the lineaments of a face exactly, without reference to character, he deserves no admiration. The resemblance which he ought to obtain is that of the soul.

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 realities of nature surpass our most ambitious dreams.

There should be no argument in regard to morality in art. There is no morality in nature.