The Louvre is the book in which we learn to read. We must not, however, be satisfied with retaining the beautiful formulas of our illustrious predecessors. Let us go forth to study beautiful nature, let us try to free our mids from them, let us strive to express ourselves according to our personal temperaments. Time and reflection, moreover, little by little modify our vision, and at last comprehension comes to us.

Art is a harmony parallel with nature.

Two sittings a day of my models and I'm totally exhausted.

Tell me, do you think I'm going mad? I sometimes wonder, you know.

The world doesn't understand me and I don't understand the world, that's why I've withdrawn from it.

Is art really the priesthood that demands the pure in heart who belong to it wholly?

Doubtless there are things in nature which have not yet been seen. If an artist discovers them, he opens the way for his successors.