Who sees the human face correctly: the photographer, the mirror, or the painter?

Who sees the human face correctly: the photographer, the mirror, or the painter?

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.

Every time I paint a portrait I lose a friend.

Every time I paint a portrait I lose a friend.

"Paint me as I am," said Cromwell,
"Rough with age and gashed with wars;
Show my visage read more

"Paint me as I am," said Cromwell,
"Rough with age and gashed with wars;
Show my visage as you find it,
Less than truth my soul abhors."

From the mingled strength of shade and light
A new creation rises to my sight,
Such heav'nly read more

From the mingled strength of shade and light
A new creation rises to my sight,
Such heav'nly figures from his pencil flow,
So warm with light his blended colors glow.
. . . .
The glowing portraits, fresh from life, that bring
Home to our hearts the truth from which they spring.

I mix them with my brains, sir.

I mix them with my brains, sir.

And those who paint 'em truest praise 'em most.

And those who paint 'em truest praise 'em most.

I paint objects as I think them, not as I see them.

I paint objects as I think them, not as I see them.

Hard features every bungler can command:
To draw true beauty shows a master's hand.

Hard features every bungler can command:
To draw true beauty shows a master's hand.