Michelangelo

"Many believe - and I believe - that I have been designated for this work by God. In spite of my old age, I do not want to give it up; I work out of love for God and I put all my hope in Him."

"The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection."

"Death and love are the two wings that bear the good man to heaven."

"Faith in oneself is the best and safest course."

"Genius is eternal patience."

"I am still learning."

"I cannot live under pressures from patrons, let alone paint."

"I have never felt salvation in nature. I love cities above all."

"I live and love in God's peculiar light."

"My soul can find no staircase to Heaven unless it be through Earth's loveliness."

"The best artist has that thought alone Which is contained within the marble shell; The sculptor's hand can only break the spell To free the figures slumbering in the stone."

"The best of artists has no conception that the marble alone does not contain within itself."

"Trifles make perfection, and perfection is no trifle."