Artists who seek perfection in everything are those who cannot attain it in anything. - Eugène Delacroix

When the proportions are too perfect it detracts from a sense of the sublime. (13 January 1857)

The pleasure of naming and classifying is the fatal thing about men of learning.

Well! A general invasion: Hamlet rears his hideous head, Othello is preparing his dagger, that essentially murderous weapon, subversive of all good theatrical government. What more, who knows.. .King Lear is to tear his eyes before a French audience. It should be a point of dignity for the Academy to declare that all imports of this kind are incompatible with public morals. Farewell good taste! In any case, equip yourself with a stout coat of mail under your evening dress. Beware of the Classicist's daggers, or rather, sacrifice yourself valiantly for our barbarian pleasure..