In fact, whatever exists in the universe, in essence, in appearance, in the imagination, the painter has first in his mind and then in his hands ... it lies in his power to create them . . .

One painter ought never to imitate the manner of any other; because in that case he cannot be called the child of nature, but the grandchild. It is always best to have recourse to nature, which is replete with such abundance of objects, than to the productions of other masters, who learnt everything from her.

I love those who can smile in trouble.

For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.

Men born in hot countries love the night because it refreshes them and have a horror of light because it burns them.

The lover is moved by the beloved object as the senses are by sensual objects; and they unite and become one and the same thing. The work is the first thing born of this union; if the thing loved is base the lover becomes base.

First study the science, and then practice the art which is born of that science.