Meaning: This quote by Victor Hugo, the renowned French author, encapsulates the paradox of beauty in both nature and art. It highlights the interplay between the natural and the crafted, the living and the inanimate, and the expectations and perceptions of beauty. Through this quote, Hugo underscores the dynamic and ever-changing nature of beauty, drawing attention to the distinct but intertwined standards applied to women and statues.

In the first part of the quote, "Dear God! how beauty varies in nature and art," Hugo expresses a sense of awe and wonder at the diverse manifestations of beauty in the world. He acknowledges the multifaceted nature of beauty, which can be found both in the natural world and in the realm of artistic creation. This observation suggests that beauty is not confined to a specific domain but is instead pervasive and adaptable to various contexts.

The second part of the quote delves into the specific qualities of beauty as they relate to women and statues. Hugo juxtaposes the attributes of flesh and marble, emphasizing the contrasting but complementary expectations for each. He states, "In a woman the flesh must be like marble; in a statue the marble must be like flesh." This contrast highlights the idealization of beauty in both living beings and artistic representations. In women, the comparison to marble suggests a desire for flawlessness and a timeless, enduring quality. On the other hand, in statues, the aspiration is to imbue cold, unyielding marble with the warmth and vitality of living flesh.

Hugo's choice of words reflects the nuanced and often conflicting standards of beauty imposed on women and art. The notion of a woman's flesh being likened to marble conveys an ideal of unblemished perfection, while the expectation for a statue's marble to resemble flesh speaks to the aspiration for lifelike realism in art. This duality underscores the complex and subjective nature of beauty, as well as the societal and cultural influences that shape our perceptions of it.

Furthermore, Hugo's invocation of "Dear God" in the beginning of the quote adds a spiritual and reverent dimension to his contemplation of beauty. It suggests a sense of wonder and humility in the face of the diversity and complexity of beauty as it exists in the natural world and as it is reimagined and recreated through human artistic endeavors.

In conclusion, Victor Hugo's quote serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the multifaceted nature of beauty. It prompts reflection on the ever-evolving standards and perceptions of beauty in both natural forms and artistic representations. By drawing attention to the paradoxical expectations for women and statues, Hugo invites us to consider the subjective and culturally influenced nature of beauty, as well as the profound impact of human creativity in shaping our understanding of aesthetics.