Art Quote by Benjamin Blech
““Yet, to view the Sistine primarily as a self-portrait doesn’t ring totally true. In spite of his arrogance regarding his artistic skill, Michelangelo was a very unassuming man. He lived an extremely humble life. Even though he was the highest-paid artist of his day, he dressed poorly and lived in a simple apartment, sending almost all his income to his family in Florence. Yes, he slipped his face into The Last Judgment, but unlike Julius II, he did not need an entire chapel or basilica to proclaim his ego. Furthermore, he considered himself first, last, and always a sculptor, not a painter. If he had made one piece the summary of his life, it would certainly have been a statue, not a fresco.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Michelangelo by Benjamin Blech, 1995
Michelangelo’s modest lifestyle and self‑identification as a sculptor reveal that his fame did not stem from ego but from dedication to his craft.
In simple terms: He lived humbly despite great success.
Key Takeaway
Recognize humility over self‑promotion.
Themes
humility
identity
artistry
ego
legacy
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
biographical
interpretive
When to use this quote
- discussing artistic legacy
- teaching art history
- personal branding
- career counseling
Key Concepts
self‑concept
social perception
art history
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humility affect artistic legacy?
- What role does patronage play in an artist’s reputation?
A Different Perspective
His fame also came from patronage and political context, not just personal humility.
