Smartyfair
History
The more the marble wastes, the more the statue grows.
Michelangelo1475–1564 · artist · 1400s-1500s ItalyMichelangelo was an Italian artist during the Renaissance who carved the famous statue of David out of marble when he was only 26 years old, and later spent four years painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.2 quotes
Source foundCreativityPerseveranceAncient

In plain words

Chipping away extra stone reveals the statue hiding inside. Like practice reveals your best self.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is
87% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up
Michelangelo's own sonnet addressed to Vittoria Colonna (their documented friendship/correspondence ran 1536-1547); tr. Mrs. Henry Roscoe in 'Vittoria Colonna: Her Life and Poems' (1868), p.169. Wikiquote's sourced Quotes section, named work + translator — primary poem text, not a compilation.
Work
Sonnet to Vittoria Colonna
Occasion
c. 1538-1547 · Rome · Michelangelo's own poem written for his close friend Vittoria Colonna, reflecting on carving marble
Sources checked
  • en.wikiquote.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 21 August 2026Sourced Quotes section: sonnet to Vittoria Colonna, tr. Mrs. Henry Roscoe 1868
  • en.wikipedia.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 21 August 2026confirms 1536-1547 documented friendship/correspondence with Michelangelo

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