Who said “An original artist is unable to copy. So he has only to copy in order to be original.”?

Verified

Jean Cocteau. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceLe Coq et l’Arlequin (1918)

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Le Coq et l’Arlequin (1918).

APA

Cocteau, J. (n.d.). An original artist is unable to copy. So he has only to copy in order to be original. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/23918-an-original-artist-is-unable-to-copy-so/

MLA

Cocteau, Jean. “An original artist is unable to copy. So he has only to copy in order to be original.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/23918-an-original-artist-is-unable-to-copy-so/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Cocteau, Jean. “An original artist is unable to copy. So he has only to copy in order to be original.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/23918-an-original-artist-is-unable-to-copy-so/.

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