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As some of you know, I some years ago — a few — painted a picture of Mr. Whitman. I began in the usual way, but soon found that the ordinary methods wouldn't do — that technique, rules and traditions would have to be thrown aside; that before all else, he was to be treated as a man, whatever became of what are commonly called the principles of art.

— Thomas Eakins

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More quotes by Thomas Eakins

I have but little patience with the false modesty which is the greatest enemy to all figure painting.

I see no impropriety in looking at the most beautiful of Nature's works, the naked figure. If there is impropriety, then just where does such impropriety begin?

I have never discovered that the nude could be studied in any way except the way I have adopted. All the muscles must be pointed out. To do this all the drapery must be removed.

We appreciate politeness when we are far from home. We may have different ideas of the word.

A teacher can do very little for a pupil and should only be thankful if he don't hinder him, and the greater the master, mostly the less he can say.

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Thomas Eakins (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.