The principle of realism means denial of the ideal.

The expression of beauty is in direct ratio to the power of conception the artist has acquired.

France is the only nation in which astoundingly small numbers of civilized patrons reside.

I have never seen either angels or goddesses, so I am not interested in painting them.

I hope to live all my life for my art, without abandoning my principles one iota.

I am not one who was born in the custody of wisdom; I am one who is fond of olden times and intense in quest of the sacred knowing of the ancients.

The principle of realism means denial of the ideal.