Every art, like our own, has in its composition fluctuating as well as fixed principles. It is an attentive inquiry into their difference that will enable us to determine how far we are influenced by custom and habit, and what is fixed in the nature of things.
Joshua ReynoldsIn portraits, the grace and, we may add, the likeness consists more in taking the general air than in observing the exact similitude of every feature.
Joshua ReynoldsIf you have great talents, industry will improve them: if you have but moderate abilities, industry will supply their deficiency.
Joshua ReynoldsI am convinced that this is the only means of advancing science, of clearing the mind from a confused heap of contradictory observations, that do but perplex and puzzle the Student, when he compares them, or misguide him if he gives himself up to their authority; but bringing them under one general head, can alone give rest and satisfaction to an inquisitive mind.
Joshua Reynolds