"It is in fact agreed that I am the plague, the cholera of the benevolent and generous men who are interested in art and that, when I show myself with my plasters, even the Emperor of the Sahara would flee"

This quote by Camille Claudel is a reflection of her own self-perception. She is comparing herself to a plague, a disease that is damaging and spreads out quickly. She thinks that her presence is so undesirable that even the Emperor of the Sahara would get away from her. This recommends that she feels her existence is so undesirable and her art so disliked that even the most powerful individual in the world would not wish to be around her. This quote reflects her sensations of insecurity and her belief that her art is not appreciated or valued. It likewise shows her sensations of seclusion and solitude, as she believes that even the most powerful person on the planet would not wish to be around her. This quote is a powerful pointer of the battles that artists deal with in trying to be accepted and valued for their work.