Art Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
““I hope the artist who illustrates this work will take care to do justice to his portrait. Mr. Clive himself, let that painter be assured, will not be too well pleased if his countenance and figure do not receive proper attention.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The History of Henry Esmond, 1852
An illustrator must faithfully capture a subject’s likeness, lest the subject be dissatisfied.
In simple terms: Illustrators should aim for accurate, respectful portrayals.
Key Takeaway
Strive for faithful representation.
Themes
artistic integrity
portraiture
expectation
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
interpretive
ethical
When to use this quote
- book illustration
- portrait commissions
- personal likenesses
Key Concepts
visual fidelity
client satisfaction
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines “justice” in portraiture?
- How to balance artistic style with fidelity?
A Different Perspective
Subjectivity can color perceived accuracy.
