That which is not slightly distorted lacks sensible appeal; from which it follows that irregularity – that is to say, the unexpected, surprise and astonishment, are a essential part and characteristic of beauty.

There are women who inspire you with the desire to conquer them and to take your pleasure of them; but this one fills you only with the desire to die slowly beneath her gaze.

Delacroix was passionately in love with passion, but coldly determined to express passion as clearly as possible.

Two fundamental literary qualities: supernaturalism and irony.

Perfumes, colours and sounds echo one another.

Romanticism is precisely situated neither in choice of subject, nor exact truth, but in the way of feeling.

I should like the fields tinged with red, the rivers yellow and the trees painted blue. Nature has no imagination.