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Death Quote by Edgar Degas

“I would have been in mortal misery all my life for fear my wife might say, 'That's a pretty little thing,' after I had finished a picture.” quote by Edgar Degas
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“I would have been in mortal misery all my life for fear my wife might say, 'That's a pretty little thing,' after I had finished a picture.”

Edgar Degas

About This Quote

Source Letter: Personal correspondence, 1885

The artist fears criticism that would diminish his work's value, reflecting deep personal insecurity.

In simple terms: Fear of judgment can cripple creative confidence.

Key Takeaway

Seek validation from self, not others.

Themes

insecurity artistic integrity criticism self-doubt creative process

Mood

anxious introspective vulnerable

Type

personal creative

When to use this quote

  • gallery exhibition
  • publishing a work
  • personal critique
  • artistic collaboration

Key Concepts

psychology of art self-perception artist ego

Questions to Reflect On

  • What internal standards guide your creative work?
  • How can you separate personal worth from artistic output?
A Different Perspective

The quote may romanticize suffering, ignoring healthy coping strategies.

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