Quote by Jean Cocteau

What is line? It is life. A line must live at each point along its course in such a way that the artist's presence makes itself felt above that of the model. With the writer, line takes precedence over form and content. It runs through the words he assembles. It strikes a continuous note unperceived by ear or eye. It is, in a way, the soul's style, and if the line ceases to have a life of its own, if it only describes an arabesque, the soul is missing and the writing dies.


What is line? It is life. A line must live at each point alo

Summary

This quote highlights the significance of line in artistic expression, whether it be in visual arts or literature. The line is metaphorically equated with life, and the artist's presence should be felt within each point along its course. In writing, the line takes precedence over the form and content of the words, creating a continuous and subtle essence that is not immediately noticeable. It is referred to as the soul's style, and if the line loses its vitality, merely becoming a decorative pattern, the soul and essence of the work diminishes, ultimately leading to the death of the writing.

Topics

Style
By Jean Cocteau
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