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

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.

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.

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