Art Quote by Leonardo da Vinci
“O painter, take care lest the greed for gain prove a stronger incentive than renown in art, for to gain this renown is a far greater thing than is the renown of riches.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Advice to a fellow painter, circa 1500s, null
The pursuit of fame in art can become a greed that outweighs the true value of artistic renown, which surpasses material wealth.
In simple terms: Fame can corrupt artistic motives, making wealth seem less important than reputation.
Prioritize artistic integrity over commercial ambition.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- gallery exhibitions
- commissioned work
- art education
- career decisions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal vision with external expectations?
- What defines true artistic success?
Even noble artistic goals can be compromised by market pressures.