The principle of realism means denial of the ideal.

Painting is the representation of visible forms. The essence of realism is its negation of the ideal.

When I am no longer controversial, I will no longer be important

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

I am fifty years old and I have always lived in freedom; let me end my life free; when I am dead let this be said of me: 'He belonged to no school, to no church, to no institution, to no academy, least of all to any regime except the regime of liberty.'

I have never seen an angel. Show me an angel, and I'll paint one.