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How wrong are those simpletons, of whom the world is full, who look more at... color than at the figures which show spirit and movement.
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If I am more alive because love burns and chars me, as a fire, given wood or wind, feels new elation, it's that he who lays me low is my salvation, and invigorates the more, the more he scars me.
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Nature did all things well.
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A good artist ought never to allow impatience to overcome his sense of the main end of art - perfection.
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I created a vision of David in my mind and simply carved away everything that was not David.
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It is well with me only when I have a chisel in my hand.
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There is an angel imprisoned in it and I must set it free.
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Love lent me wings; my path was like a stair; A lamp unto my feet, that sun was given; And death was safety and great joy to find; But dying now, I shall not climb to Heaven.
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If you knew how much work went into it, you wouldn't call it genius.
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To touch is to give life.
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For those who feel it, nothing makes the soul so religious and pure as the endeavor to create something perfect; for God is perfection, and whoever strives after it, is striving after something divine. True painting is only the image of the perfection of God, a shadow of the pencil with which he paints, a melody, a striving after harmony.
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If I love in thee, beloved, only what thou lovest most, do not be angry; for so one spirit is enamoured of another.
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Perchance that I might learn what pity is, That I might laugh at erring men no more.
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One paints with one's head, not one's hand.
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With few words I shall make thee understand my soul.
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Do not be concerned that you might set a target too high and fail. Be concerned that you will set it too low and succeed.
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I have never felt salvation in nature. I love cities above all.
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From such a gentle thing, from such a fountain of all delight, my every pain is born.
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Art is a jealous thing; it requires the whole and entire man.
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Sculpture is made by taking away, while painting is made by adding.
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Art is the gift of God, and must be used unto His glory. That in art is highest which aims at this.
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Genius is eternal patience.
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I dare affirm that any artist... who has nothing singular, eccentric, or at least reputed to be so, in his person, will never become a superior talent.
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Lord, grant that I may always desire more than I can accomplish.