Bernard Berenson Quotes

A collection of quotes by Bernard Berenson.

Bernard Berenson (1865-1959) was an American art historian known for his expertise in Italian Renaissance art. Born in Lithuania, he emigrated to the United States as a child and eventually settled in Italy. Berenson became a prominent figure in the field of art connoisseurship, renowned for his ability to attribute and authenticate Renaissance paintings. He authored several influential books and advised wealthy collectors and institutions around the world. Berenson's extensive knowledge and discerning eye had a lasting impact on the understanding and appreciation of Italian Renaissance art.

From childhood on I have had the dream of life lived as a sa

From childhood on I have had the dream of life lived as a sacrament... the dream implied taking life ritually as something holy.

Bernard Berenson

A complete life may be one ending in so full identification

A complete life may be one ending in so full identification with the non-self that there is no self to die.

Bernard Berenson

Life Death Inspirational

Between truth and the search for it, I choose the second.

Between truth and the search for it, I choose the second.

Bernard Berenson

I wish I could stand on a busy street corner, hat in hand, a

I wish I could stand on a busy street corner, hat in hand, and beg people to throw me all their wasted hours.

Bernard Berenson

Life has taught me that it is not for our faults that we are

Life has taught me that it is not for our faults that we are disliked and even hated, but for our qualities.

Bernard Berenson

Government lasts as long as the under-taxed can defend thems

Government lasts as long as the under-taxed can defend themselves against the over-taxed.

Bernard Berenson

Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were

Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago.

Bernard Berenson

Miracles happen to those who believe in them. Otherwise why

Miracles happen to those who believe in them. Otherwise why does not the Virgin Mary appear to Lamaists, Mohammedans, or Hindus who have never heard of her?

Bernard Berenson

When everything else physical and mental seems to diminish,

When everything else physical and mental seems to diminish, the appreciation of beauty is on the increase.

Bernard Berenson

Boast is always a cry of despair, except in the young it is

Boast is always a cry of despair, except in the young it is a cry of hope.

Bernard Berenson