Quote by Victor Hugo
Dear God! how beauty varies in nature and art. In a woman the flesh must be like marble; in a statue the marble must be like flesh.
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Summary
This quote expresses the idea that beauty can be found in both nature and art, but the criteria for beauty in each context differ. In the case of a woman, the comparison to marble suggests a desire for a flawless, smooth complexion. On the other hand, when it comes to statues, the expectation is to sculpt the marble in such a way that it appears as realistic and lifelike as human flesh. The quote highlights the contrast between the natural aesthetics of a human being and the artistic mastery required to recreate that beauty within a statue.
By Victor Hugo