Benvenuto Cellini quotes

Benvenuto Cellini was an Italian goldsmith, sculptor, and writer of the Renaissance period. His artistic creations, including the famous "Perseus with the Head of Medusa," are celebrated for their technical mastery and expressiveness. He became equally renowned for his colorful autobiography, which offers vivid insight into the life of a Renaissance artist. Here are 8 of his quotes:

Let all the world witness how many different means Fortune employs when she wishes to destroy a man.

Benvenuto Cellini

I assert that the art of sculpture, among all the arts connected with design, is at least seven times greater than any other, for the following reason: why, sir, a statue of true sculpture ought to have seven points of view, which ought all to boast equal excellence.

Benvenuto Cellini

Painting, in fact, is nothing else much than a tree, a man, or any other object, reflected in the water. The distinction between sculpture and painting, is as great as between the shadow and the substance.

Benvenuto Cellini

When the poor give to the rich, the devil laughs.

Benvenuto Cellini

I said, in response to his words, that men who wanted to do things in their own way had better make a world in their own way, because in this world things are not done like this.

Benvenuto Cellini

I own it is a common saying, that every reverse of fortune teaches us how to behave on another occasion; but that is not true, as the circumstances which attend each event are different, and such as could not be foreseen.

Benvenuto Cellini

One can pass on responsibility, but not the discretion that goes with it.

Benvenuto Cellini