4017105A Treatise on Painting — A Precept for the PainterJohn Francis RigaudLeonardo da Vinci

Chap. CCCLXIII.A Precept for the Painter.

The painter who entertains no doubt of his own ability, will attain very little. When the work succeeds beyond the judgment, the artist acquires nothing; but when the judgment is superior to the work, he never ceases improving, if the love of gain do not retard his progress.