The world of imagination is the world of eternity. It is the divine bosom into which we shall all go after the death of the vegetated [i.e. mortal] body. This world of imagination is infinite and eternal, whereas the world of generation is finite and temporal. There exist in that eternal world the eternal realities of everything which we see reflected in this vegetable glass of nature.

First thought is best in Art, second in other matters.

Some will say, Is not God alone the Prolific? I answer, God only Acts & Is, in existing beings or Men.

He who desires, but acts not, breeds pestilence.

Forgive what you do not approve & love me for this energetic exertion of my talent

To Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love All pray in their distress, And to these virtues of delight Return their thankfulness.

What has reason to do with the art of painting?