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

— Michelangelo

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.

— Michelangelo

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.

— Michelangelo

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

— Michelangelo

The marble not yet carved can hold the form of every thought the greatest artist has.

— Michelangelo

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

— Michelangelo

Trifles make perfection - and perfection is no trifle.

— Michelangelo

Trifles make perfection and perfection is no trifle.

— Michelangelo

When they asked Michelangelo how he made his statue of David he is reported to have said "It is easy. You just chip away the stone that doesn't look like David."

— Michelangelo

Your greatness is measured by your horizons.

— Michelangelo