Savage is he who saves himself.

How painting surpasses all human works by reason of the subtle possibilities which it contains.

Inaction saps the vigor of the mind.

To such an extent does nature delight and abound in variety that among her trees there is not one plant to be found which is exactly like another; and not only among the plants, but among the boughs, the leaves and the fruits, you will not find one which is exactly similar to another.

Perspective is the rein and rudder of painting.

The painter will produce pictures of little merit if he takes the works of others as his standard.

Supreme happiness will be the greatest cause of misery, and the perfection of wisdom the occassion of folly.