Michelangelo Quotes

In my opinion painting should be considered excellent in proportion as it approaches the effect of relief, while relief should be considered bad in proportion as it approaches the effect of painting.

They are so beautiful that they would grace the entrance to Paradise.

I have only too much of a wife in this art of mine, who has always kept me in tribulation, and my children shall be the works I leave, which, even if they are naught, will live a while.

Your Lordship sends to tell me that I should paint and have no doubts. I answer that painting is done with the brain, not the hands.

Nothing the greatest artist can conceive That every marble block doth not confine Within itself; and only its design The hand that follows intellect can achieve.

I’ve finished that chapel I was painting. The Pope is quite satisfied.