Women know the way to rear up children (to be just). They know a simple, merry, tender knack of tying sashes, fitting baby-shoes, and stringing pretty words that make no sense. And kissing full sense into empty words.
Elizabeth Barrett BrowningRead
It is not merely the likeness which is precious... but the association and the sense of nearness involved in the thing... the fact of the very shadow of the person lying there fixed forever! It is the very sanctification of portraits I think - and it is not at all monstrous in me to say that I would rather have such a memorial of one I dearly loved, than the noblest Artist's work ever produced.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The true value of a portrait lies in the emotional connection and memory it evokes, rather than its artistic quality.
In this quote, Elizabeth Barrett Browning articulates the deep emotional significance attached to portraits, suggesting that it is not simply the visual likeness that matters, but the memories, associations, and emotions they represent. She expresses a preference for a personal memorial that embodies her love for someone over a masterpiece by a renowned artist, emphasizing that personal connections hold greater value than artistic achievements.
Themes
LoveMemoryPortraitEmotionAssociationArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a heartfelt speech at a memorial service, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of personal connections.
More from Elizabeth Barrett Browning
All quotes →She has seen the mystery hid Under Egypt's pyramid: By those eyelids pale and close Now she knows what Rhamses knows.
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First time he kissed me, he but only kissed The fingers of this hand wherewith I write; And, ever since, it grew more clean and white.
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Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God: But only he who sees takes off his shoes.
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Our Euripides the human, With his droppings of warm tears, and his touchings of things common Till they rose to meet the spheres.
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Love me sweet With all thou art Feeling, thinking, seeing; Love me in the Lightest part, Love me in full Being.
Elizabeth Barrett BrowningRead
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