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.

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

Beauty is the purgation of superfluities.

Do not be concerned that you might set a target too high and fail. Be concerned that you will set it too low and succeed.

There is an angel imprisoned in it and I must set it free.

I criticise by creation, not by finding fault.

Can't you see the angel imprisoned in the block of stone trying to get out? I am trying to free him