If he sees nothing within, then he should stop painting what is in front of him.
Meaning of the quote
This quote is telling artists that they should only paint what they can see and feel inside their own minds and hearts, not just what is in front of them. If an artist cannot find inspiration or meaning within themselves, they should not just paint the outside world, but instead find that inner vision before continuing to create their artwork.
About Caspar David Friedrich
Caspar David Friedrich was a renowned German Romantic landscape painter in the 19th century. His allegorical and symbolic paintings often featured contemplative figures in expansive, natural settings, conveying a profound and emotional connection with the natural world. Friedrich’s work fell out of favor during his later years but has since regained recognition as an iconic representation of the German Romantic movement.
More quotes from Caspar David Friedrich
I have to stay alone in order to fully contemplate and feel nature.
German Romantic landscape painter (1774-1840)
The painter should paint not only what he has in front of him, but also what he sees inside himself.
German Romantic landscape painter (1774-1840)
Close your bodily eye, that you may see your picture first with the eye of the spirit. Then bring to light what you have seen in the darkness, that its effect may work back, from without to within.
German Romantic landscape painter (1774-1840)
If he sees nothing within, then he should stop painting what is in front of him.
German Romantic landscape painter (1774-1840)