"The artist belongs to his work, not the work to the artist"

This quote by Novalis suggests that the true ownership of a work of art lies with the work itself, instead of the artist who created it. It implies that the artist is simply a vessel through which the work is brought into existence, and as soon as it is completed, the artist's function is satisfied. The work handles a life of its own, separate from the artist, and it depends on the audience to translate and appreciate it. This quote highlights the concept that art is not about the artist's ego or individual attachment, however rather about the effect it has on others.