180 Quotes by Michelangelo

Trifles make perfection but perfection is not a trifle

Painting and sculpture, labour and good faith, have been my ruin and I continually go from bad to worse. Better it would have been for me if I had set myself to making matches in my youth. I should not be in such distress of mind.

Perfection is no small thing, but it is made up of small things.

I am still learning. (at age 87)

Art is the gift of God, and must be used unto His glory. That in art is highest which aims at this.

So now, from this mad passion Which made me take art for an idol and a king I have learnt the burden of error that it bore And what misfortune springs from man's desire... The world's frivolities have robbed me of the time That I was given for reflecting upon God.

No thought is born in me that does not bear the image of death.

Read the heart and not the letter for the pen cannot draw near the good intent.

There is an angel imprisoned in it and I must set it free.