This quote suggests that every piece of art, in this case a portrait, is a reflection of the artist themselves, rather than the subject of the art. It implies that the emotions, perspectives, and experiences of the artist are projected onto their work. The “feeling” with which the artist paints the portrait is their own, and as such, the resulting piece becomes a mirror of their inner world.
The sitter, or the subject of the portrait, is seen through the artist’s eyes, filtered through their emotions, their understanding, and their interpretation. The sitter is merely a catalyst, a starting point from which the artist’s self-expression flows.
This quote suggests that art is not an exact replication of reality, but a subjective interpretation of it. It’s not just about capturing the physical likeness of the sitter, but about expressing the artist’s own feelings, thoughts, and perspectives.
In today’s world, this idea can be applied to many areas beyond the realm of traditional art. For example, in social media, every post, photo, or video shared is a ‘portrait’ of the person sharing it. It reflects their feelings, their perspectives, their likes and dislikes, their experiences, and their view of the world.
In terms of personal development, this quote can remind us that our creations, actions, and expressions are a reflection of who we are. If we want to change our output, we need to start by changing our inner selves. It encourages introspection and self-awareness, reminding us that our external world is often a reflection of our internal state. It suggests that personal growth and self-improvement can lead to improvements in our work, our relationships, and our impact on the world.
In essence, this quote is a reminder that we leave a part of ourselves in everything we create, and that by understanding ourselves better, we can create more authentically and effectively.
