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.

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.