I assure you no art was ever less spontaneous than mine. What I do is the result of reflection and study of the great masters; of inspiration, spontaneity, temperament - temperament is the word - I know nothing.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Degas denies that his work is spontaneous, emphasizing instead that it comes from careful study and reflection.
- In plain terms
- My art is not spontaneous; it comes from studying masters and thinking deeply.
- What can you take from it?
- Great art often results from study rather than pure impulse.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is spontaneity overrated in art?
- How much study is enough?
Another view
Spontaneity can still play a role in art.
More from Edgar Degas
Your pictures would have been finished a long time ago if I were not forced every day to do something to earn money.
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