Michelangelo

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

"Lord, grant that I may always desire more than I can accomplish."

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

"A man paints with his brains and not with his hands."

"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."

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

"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."