The nude gains its enduring value from the fact that it reconciles several contrary states. It takes the most sensual and immediately interesting object, the human body, and puts it out of reach of time and desire; it takes the most purely rational concept of which mankind is capable, mathematical order, and makes it a delight to the senses; and it takes the vague fears of the unknown and sweetens them by showing that the gods are like men and may be worshiped for their life-giving beauty rather than their death-dealing powers.

The great artist takes what he needs.

Art...must do something more than give pleasure: it should relate to our own life so as to increase our energy of spirit.

The great achievement of the Catholic Church lay in harmonizing, civilizing the deepest impulses of ordinary, ignorant people.

It is often said that Leonardo drew so well because he knew about things; it is truer to say that he knew about things because he drew so well.

Heroes do not easily tolerate the company of other heroes.

Lives devoted to Beauty seldom end well.