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

After four tortured years, more than 400 over life-sized figures, I felt as old and as weary as Jeremiah. I was only 37, yet friends did not recognize the old man I had become.

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

Let it be enough for you to have bread and live virtuously and poorly like Christ, as I do here. I live meanly and don't bother about life or honor ... and I live with the greatest toil and a thousand worries. It is now about 15 years since I had a happy hour.

Read the heart and not the letter for the pen cannot draw near the good intent.

If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful at all.

To know each other is the best way to understand each other. To understand each other is the only way to love each other.