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.

The painter must enclose himself within his work; he must respond not with words, but with paintings.

With a painter's temperament, all that's needed are the means of expression sufficient to be intelligible to the wide public.

The truth is in nature, and I shall prove it.

I allow no one to touch me.

Drawing and color are not separate at all; in so far as you paint, you draw. The more color harmonizes, the more exact the drawing becomes. When the color achieves richness, the form attains its fullness also

Shadow is a colour as light is, but less brilliant; light and shadow are only the relation of two tones.