As I grew older, I realized that it was much better to insist on the genuine forms of nature, for simplicity is the greatest adornment of art.

And since geometry is the right foundation of all painting, I have decided to teach its rudiments and principles to all youngsters eager for art. . .

Why has God given me such magnificent talent? It is a curse as well as a great blessing.

No single man can be taken as a model for a perfect figure, for no man lives on earth who is endowed with the whole of beauty.

I hold that the perfection of form and beauty is contained in the sum of all men.

The artist is chosen by God to fulfill his commands and must never be overwhelmed by public opinion.

My father suffered much and toiled painfully all his life, for he had no resources other than the proceeds of his trade from which to support himself and his wife and family.