There is nothing wrong with the love of Beauty. But Beauty-unless she is wed to something more meaningful-is always superficial
Donna TarttBut romantic vision can also lead one away from certain very hard, ugly truths about life that are important to know.
Donna TarttWhen I looked at the painting I felt the same convergence on a single point: a flickering sun-struck instance that existed now and forever. Only occasionally did I notice the chain on the finch's ankle, or think what a cruel life for a little living creature - fluttering briefly, forced always to land in the same hopeless place.
Donna Tartt