Man's external form, marvellously constructed, is not much as compared with the divine soul that dwells inside that structure.

Many will think they may reasonably blame me by alleging that my proofs are opposed to the authority of certain men held in the highest reverence by their inexperienced judgments; not considering that my works are the issue of pure and simple experience.

It is a far worthier thing to read by the light of experience than to adorn oneself with the labors of others.

Very great charm of shadow and light is to be found in the faces of those who sit in the doors of dark houses. The eye of the spectator sees that part of the face which is in shadow lost in the darkness of the house, and that part of the face which is lit draws its brilliancy from the splendour of the sky. From this intensification of light and shade the face gains greatly in relief and beauty by showing the subtlest shadows in the light part and the subtlest lights in the dark part.

Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.

Where there is most feeling, there is the greatest martyrdom.

Sculptured figures which appear in motion, will, in their standing position, actually look as if they were falling forward.