Let a man of genius make use [of photography] as it should be used, and he will raise himself to a height that we do not know.

The source of genius is imagination alone.

If I haven't fought for my country at least I'll paint for her.

I believe it safe to say that all progress must lead, not to further progress, but finally to the negation of progress, a return to the point of departure.

Nature creates unity even in the parts of a whole.

The true wisdom of the philosopher ought to insist in enjoying everything. Yet we apply ourselves to dissecting and destroying everything that is good in itself, that has virtue, albeit the virtue there is in mere illusions. Nature gives us this life like a toy to a weak child. We want to see how it all works; we break everything. There remains in our hands, and before our eyes, stupid and opened too late, the sterile wreckage, fragments that will not again make a whole. The good is so simple.

Draughtsmen may be made, but colourists are born.