The picture that approaches sculpture nearest
Is the best picture.

The picture that approaches sculpture nearest
Is the best picture.

Lely on animated canvas stole
The sleepy eye, that spoke the melting soul.

Lely on animated canvas stole
The sleepy eye, that spoke the melting soul.

Are we to paint what's on the face, what's inside the face, or what's behind it?

Are we to paint what's on the face, what's inside the face, or what's behind it?

Every time I paint a portrait I lose a friend.

Every time I paint a portrait I lose a friend.

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

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

I only feel, but want the power to paint.
[Lat., Nequeo monstrare et sentio tantum.]

I only feel, but want the power to paint.
[Lat., Nequeo monstrare et sentio tantum.]

A flattering painter, who made it his care
To draw men as they ought to be, not as they read more

A flattering painter, who made it his care
To draw men as they ought to be, not as they are.

Painting with all its technicalities, difficulties, and peculiar
ends, is nothing but a noble and expressive language, invaluable
read more

Painting with all its technicalities, difficulties, and peculiar
ends, is nothing but a noble and expressive language, invaluable
as the vehicle of thought, but by itself nothing.

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.