Benvenuto Cellini Quotes & Sayings

My cruel fate hath warr'd with me in vain
Life, glory, worth, and all unmeasur'd skill
Beauty and grace, themselves in me fulfill
That many I surpass, and to the best attain. — Benvenuto Cellini

The laws can't be enforced against the man who is the laws' master. — Benvenuto Cellini

All works of nature created by God in heaven and on earth are works of sculpture. — Benvenuto Cellini

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

Let everyone witness how many different cards fortune has up her sleeve when she wants to ruin a man. — Benvenuto Cellini

A painting is merely the image of a tree, a man, or any other object reflected in a fountain. The difference between a painting and sculpture is the difference between a shadow and the thing which casts it. — Benvenuto Cellini

I say that the art of sculpture is eight times as great as any other art based on drawing, because a statue has eight views and they must all be equally good. — Benvenuto Cellini

Withersoever the wheel of Fortune turns, Virtue stands firm upon her feet. — Benvenuto Cellini

Laws cannot be imposed on him who is the master of the law. — Benvenuto Cellini

When the poor give to the rich, the devil laughs. — Benvenuto Cellini

Cats of good breed hunt better fat than lean. — Benvenuto Cellini

There are many kinds of conceit, but the chief one is to let people know what a very ancient and gifted family one descends from. — 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