Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres was one of the leading French Neoclassical painters of the 19th century. Born in Montauban, France, in 1780, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres was one of the leading French Neoclassical painters of the 19th century. Recognized for his exacting draftsmanship, close determination to detail, and classical aesthetic, Ingres’s creative is notable for its idealized forms, smooth contours, and great silences of of composition. It should be noted that Ingres trained in the Neoclassical tradition under the painter Jacques-Louis David, but later developed a more individual style that fused Neoclassicism with sensual and Romantic sensibility. His portraits, including “Madame Moitessier” and “The Grande Odalisque,” are considered some of the most refined, graceful and psychologically deep portraits in Western art.
Today, Ingres is considered one of the greatest painters of 19th-century France, despite criticism and scandal for his sudden break with academic standards. He is well known for his technical prowess, his refined aesthetic and his lasting contribution to the art of portraiture.
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres Quotes
1. “It takes 25 years to learn to draw, one hour to learn to paint.”
— Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
2. “Do not concern yourself with other people. Concern yourself with your own work alone.”
— Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
3. “What do these so-called artists mean when they preach the discovery of the’new’? Is there anything new? Everything has been done, everything has been discovered.”
— Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
4. “Drawing is the probity of art. To draw does not mean simply to reproduce contours; drawing does not consist merely of line: drawing is also expression, the inner form, the plane, the modeling. See what remains after that.”
— Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
5. “Drawing is the honesty of art.”
— Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
6. “Better gray than garishness.”
— Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
7. “Make copies, young man, many copies. You can only become a good artist by copying the masters.”
— Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
8. “Fine and delicate taste is the fruit of education and experience.”
— Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
9. “Is there anyone among the great men who has not imitated? Nothing is made with nothing.”
— Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
10. “There is true color, there is nature without exaggeration, without forced brilliance! He is exact.”
— Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
11. “Draw lines – draw a lot of lines.”
— Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
12. “Muscles I know; they are my friends. But I have forgotten their names.”
— Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
13. “A painter can turn pennies into gold, for all subjects are capable of being transformed into poems.”
— Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
14. “As long as you do not hold a balance between your seeing of things and your execution, you will do nothing that is really good.”
— Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
15. “The way good inventions are made is to familiarize yourself with those of others. The men who cultivate letters and the arts are all sons of Homer.”
— Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
16. “You have to observe flowers in order to find the right tones for the folds of clothes.”
— Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
Why Ingres’s Words Matter
Jean-Auguste-Dominique IngresєЂ™s quotes are timeless lessons about the discipline, authenticity and courage inherent to art. The values of truth, precision, and individuality are still of value, as is Vonnegut’s ability to poke fun at pretension.
Conclusion
Jean-Michel Basquiat and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres while different in era and style shared an uncompromising work ethic and lasting influence on art. Their words still encourage artists to think, create and believe. Whose philosophy as an artist do you most resonate with? Share your thoughts below!
