"Mr. Copley," said Drowne, quietly, "I know nothing of marble statuary, and
nothing of a sculptor's rules of art. But of this wooden image–this work
of my hands–this creature of my heart–"and here his voice faltered and choked,
in a very singular manner–"of this–of her–I may say that I know something.
A well-spring of inward wisdom gushed within me, as I wrought upon the oak
with my whole strength, and soul, and faith! Let others do what they may with
marble, and adopt what rules they choose. If I can produce my desired effect
by painted wood, those rules are not for me, and I have a right to disregard
them."
Full text of "Drowne’s
Wooden Image" from Mosses From an Old Manse
