'Conscious and Precise Observation'

Hills in Settignano by Telemaco Signorini (1835-1901)

Telemaco Signorini, one of the principle members of the Macchiaioli, said: "Do you know what in our view is great art? It is not what historical culture or imaginative talent demand from the artist but a conscious and precise observation of the infinite forms and character of the countryside surrounding us.”