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Art is not merely an imitation of the reality of nature, but in truth a metaphysical supplement to the reality of nature, placed alongside thereof for its conquest.

As I grew older, I realized that it was much better to insist on the genuine forms of nature, for simplicity is the greatest adornment of art.

All art is but imitation of nature.

This is the merit and distinction of art: to be more real than reality, to be not nature but nature's essence.

Nature is inside art as its content, not outside as its model.

All nature is but art unknown to thee.

Some counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.

Art is a harmony parallel with nature.

Art owes its origin to Nature herself... this beautiful creation, the world, supplied the first model, while the original teacher was that divine intelligence which has not only made us superior to the other animals, but like God Himself, if I may venture to say it.