Art is contemplation. It is the pleasure of the mind which searches into nature and which there divines the spirit read more

Art is contemplation. It is the pleasure of the mind which searches into nature and which there divines the spirit of which Nature herself is animated.

Art happens - no hovel is safe from it, no prince may depend upon it, the vastest intelligence cannot bring read more

Art happens - no hovel is safe from it, no prince may depend upon it, the vastest intelligence cannot bring it about.

The perfection of an art consists in the employment of a
comprehensive system of laws, commensurate to every purpose read more

The perfection of an art consists in the employment of a
comprehensive system of laws, commensurate to every purpose
within its scope, but concealed from the eye of the spectator;
and in the production of effects that seem to flow forth
spontaneously, as though uncontrolled by their influence, and
which are equally excellent, whether regarded individually, or in
reference to the proposed result.

Painters and poets have equal license in regard to everything.
[Lat., Pictoribus atque poetis
Quidlibet audendi semper read more

Painters and poets have equal license in regard to everything.
[Lat., Pictoribus atque poetis
Quidlibet audendi semper fuit aequa potestas.]

Art is a human activity consisting in this, that one man consciously, by means of certain external signs, hands on read more

Art is a human activity consisting in this, that one man consciously, by means of certain external signs, hands on to others feelings he has lived through, and that other people are infected by these feelings, and also experience them.

I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is read more

I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.

A good painting to me has always been like a friend. It keeps me company, comforts and inspires.

A good painting to me has always been like a friend. It keeps me company, comforts and inspires.

Art is essentially the affirmation, the blessing, and the deification of existence

Art is essentially the affirmation, the blessing, and the deification of existence

Art, as far as it is able, follow nature, as a pupil imitates his
master; thus your art must read more

Art, as far as it is able, follow nature, as a pupil imitates his
master; thus your art must be, as it were, God's grandchild.
[It., L'arte vostra quella, quanto puote,
Seque, come il maestro fa il discente;
Si che vostr'arte a Dio quasi e nipote.]