Was glänzt, ist für den Augenblick geboren, das Echte bleibt der Nachwelt… — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe | Printable Wall Art

“Was glänzt, ist für den Augenblick geboren, das Echte bleibt der Nachwelt unverloren.”
“What glitters is born for the moment; the genuine remains unlost to posterity.”

Words by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) — German poet, novelist, and statesman.

About this quote

Goethe contrasts fleeting trends with lasting artistic value. Flashy, superficial creations might capture immediate attention, but they fade quickly. Truly authentic work, created with depth and sincerity, survives the test of time to inspire future generations. The quote encourages creators to focus on enduring quality rather than chasing temporary fame, shallow applause, or modern trends that soon vanish.

It comes from the Prelude on the Stage in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's dramatic masterpiece, Faust, Part One, published in 1808. The Poet defends artistic integrity against the Director's demand for superficial entertainment.

People often hang this in a study or creative studio to encourage thoughtful work over quick trends.

What you get

An instant digital download. Choose your design and size at checkout — 19 typographic designs and 8 print sizes are available for this quote.

• Print-ready PDF with fully embedded vector type — sharp at any scale
• Exact trim size, no cropping required
• Print at home, at a local print shop, or upload to an online printer
• Instant download — no physical item is shipped

Sizes available

5" x 7" · 8" x 10" · 11" x 14" · 12" x 16" · 16" x 20" · 18" x 24" · 24" x 36" · A4 (21 x 29.7 cm)

Designs available

Atelier Serif · Quiet Garamond · Studio Left · Gallery Rule · Midnight Serif · Editorial Left Serif · Modern Sans Calm · Letterpress Caps · Poster Condensed · Script Whisper · Manuscript Italic · Asymmetric Left · Minimal Unsigned · Charcoal Sans · Gallery Frame · Soft Serif Right · Statement Serif · Night Script · Tracked Caps Unsigned

Digital product. Colours may vary slightly between screens and printers. Frames and props are not included.