"I know myself, and I have such a sense of religion that I shall never do anything which I would not do before the whole world; but I am alarmed at the very thoughts of being in the society of people, …"

"If Germany, my beloved fatherland, of whom you know I am proud, will not accept me, then must I, in the name of God, again make France or England richer by one capable German; — and to the shame of th…"

"I assure you that I am quite alone in the world."

"It is a great error to suppose that my art has become easy to me. I assure you, dear friend, no one has given so much care to the study of composition as I. There is scarcely a celebrated master in mu…"

"I am a true artist, and I will always be one."