Art Quote by Jean-Georges Noverre
“I cannot avoid condemning all those who, from self-conceit have the pretension to imitate great artists of the past. If their powers of emotion be weak, their powers of expression will be likewise.”
About This Quote
Mimicking past masters without genuine emotion leads to weak expression.
In simple terms: Copying without feeling yields shallow art.
Cultivate authentic emotion before imitation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Learning a new skill
- performing
- writing
- visual arts
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions drive your creative work?
- How does feeling affect your expression?
Imitation can stifle originality if not grounded in feeling.