He only moves toward the perfection of his art whose criticism surpasses his achievement.

A painter should begin every canvas with a wash of black, because all things in nature are dark except where exposed by the light.

Perspective is to painting what the bridle is to the horse, the rudder to a ship.

The painter strives and competes with nature.

Thus it is with a deaf and dumb person who, when he sees two men in conversation - although he is deprived of hearing - can nevertheless understand, from the attitudes and gestures of the speakers, the nature of their discussion.

How painting surpasses all human works by reason of the subtle possibilities which it contains.