Artist Quote by Walter J. Phillips
“The portrait painter... If he insults his sitters his occupation is gone. Whether he paints the should instead of the features, or the latter with all its natural blemishes, he is as presumptuous as if he shouted, 'What a face. Hide it.' which would never do, although it is analogous to what landscape painters are doing every day.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Painting, Walter J. Phillips, 1930
The painter must respect his subject; misrepresenting or mocking a sitter destroys the purpose of portraiture.
In simple terms: Respect the subject or lose credibility.
Key Takeaway
Paint truthfully, avoid mockery.
Themes
integrity
artistic responsibility
truthfulness
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
ethical
artistic.
When to use this quote
- portrait commissions
- art education
- gallery exhibitions
- client consultations
Key Concepts
aesthetic ethics
representation
artist-sitter relationship
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance artistic interpretation with factual representation?
- When is exaggeration acceptable in portraiture?
A Different Perspective
If the artist prioritizes style over fidelity, the work may be praised but loses personal relevance.
