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Those who do Negro-sculpture in this country are wrong. We are in France; in the country of Ronsard, La Fontaine, and Racine. What connection is there between this country and these men, and Negro sculpture? An artist can only create in accordance with the character of his people and his time.

— Aristide Maillol Conversations with Judith Cladel (1939)

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More quotes by Aristide Maillol

My sculpture is altogether different from Rodin’s.. ..In sculpture he [Rodin] always sees the flesh first. [answering his critics]

A [figure] interests me when I can bring architecture out of it.

He [ Renoir; Maillol made his bust] was very interested, watching me do his bust. He said to me: 'Every time you touch it, it becomes more alive.'

I seek beauty, not character. For me portraiture and statuary are completely opposed to each other.

Mademoiselle, I am told that you look like a Renoir and Maillol [as a model]. I would be happy with a Renoir.

his letter (1939)

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