Artist Quote by Degas
““The masters must be copied over and over again," Degas said, "and it is only after proving yourself a good copyist that you should reasonably be permitted to draw a radish from nature." Degas first received permission to copy paintings at the Louvre in 1853 when he was eighteen. He was most interested in the great works of the Italian Renaissance and of his own classical French heritage, hence this detailed copy of Poussin's painting””
About This Quote
Source Historical: Art Practice, Louvre, 1853, biography of Degas
Copying masters teaches technique; mastery follows disciplined imitation.
In simple terms: Learning by copying improves skill.
Key Takeaway
Study great works before creating originals.
Themes
art
learning
mastery
Mood
inspirational
reflective
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- art school
- self‑study
- museum visits
- creative practice
Key Concepts
technique
historical apprenticeship
Questions to Reflect On
- How does copying influence your style?
- When should you move beyond copying?
A Different Perspective
Originality may be stifled if copying dominates.
