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

Michelangelo

Good painting is the kind that looks like sculpture.

Michelangelo

Every beauty which is seen here by persons of perception resembles more than anything else that celestial source from which we all are come.

Michelangelo

It is well with me only when I have a chisel in my hand.

Michelangelo

The promises of this world are, for the most part, vain phantoms; and to confide in one's self, and become something of worth and value is the best and safest course.

Michelangelo

In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it.

Michelangelo

Let whoever may have attained to so much as to have the power of drawing know that he holds a great treasure.

Michelangelo

A beautiful thing never gives so much pain as does failing to hear and see it.

Michelangelo

I am a poor man and of little worth, who is laboring in that art that God has given me in order to extend my life as long as possible.

Michelangelo