For art to exist, for any sort of aesthetic activity or perception to exist, a certain physiological precondition is indispensable: read more

For art to exist, for any sort of aesthetic activity or perception to exist, a certain physiological precondition is indispensable: intoxication

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.]

Art is the most intense mode of invidualism that the world has known.

Art is the most intense mode of invidualism that the world has known.

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.

High art alone is eternal and the bust outlives the city.
[Fr., L'Art supreme
Seule a l'eternite
read more

High art alone is eternal and the bust outlives the city.
[Fr., L'Art supreme
Seule a l'eternite
Et le buste
Survit la cite.]

Any authentic work of art must start an argument between the artist and his audience.rn

Any authentic work of art must start an argument between the artist and his audience.rn

The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery.

The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery.

Art is the window to man's soul. Without it, he would never be able to see beyond his immediate world; read more

Art is the window to man's soul. Without it, he would never be able to see beyond his immediate world; nor could the world see the man within.

I knew that I had come face to face with some one whose mere personality was so fascinating that, if read more

I knew that I had come face to face with some one whose mere personality was so fascinating that, if I allowed it to do so, it would absorb my whole nature, my whole soul, my very art itself.