The lie is so vile, that even if it were in speaking well of godly things, it would take off something from God's grace; and Truth is so excellent, that if it praises but small things they become noble.

When Fortune comes, seize her in front with a sure hand, because behind she is bald.

The merit of painting lies in the exactness of reproduction. Painting is a science and all sciences are based on mathematics. No human inquiry can be a science unless it pursues its path through mathematical exposition and demonstration.

Vitality and beauty are gifts of Nature for those who live according to its laws.

Those who are in love with practice without knowledge are like the sailor who gets into a ship without rudder or compass and who never can be certain whether he is going. Practice must always be founded on sound theory, and to this Perspective is the guide and the gateway; and without this nothing can be done well in the matter of drawing.

If you do not rest on the good foundation of nature, you will labour with little honor and less profit.

Truly man is the king of beasts, for his brutality exceeds them. We live by the death of others. We are burial places.