I went to a Renaissance exhibit at a museum several years ago, and at one point the little tour-guide tape said, "Press one to hear a poem Michaelangelo wrote about his experience painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling." I pressed one, and was instantly entranced by the glorious first line, which was: "My butt hurts!" 

That was when I first realized that Michaelangelo was crazy awesome. Here is further proof.

I was just doing some reading for class (a feat stunning in itself), about the Paragone, which is the name for the Renaissance debate about which was better: sculpture or painting. In 1546, after lecturing a couple times on the arts, this guy went around asking various artists their opinions on the debate, and got responses from several of them. The book gives one example from the artist Bronzino, (whom I know nothing about), who gives this organized, clear response detailing both sides of the debate. And then there's a letter from Michaelangelo on the subject. The introduction describes Michaelangelo's response as "late, short, and grudging." (Hee!)

Basically, what Michaelangelo says is this: 

"So, I got your book. I used to think that painting and sculpture were two different things, but now I've changed my mind- they're totally the same thing! ...Except, you know, not, because sculpture is so much better.

Also, Leonardo da Vinci sucks.

I'd explain more thoroughly, but I have better things to do with my life. Cheers!"

I love it- he's all sarcastic and snarky and dismissive, and he even throws in a burn at da Vinci! (whom I like; don't get me wrong- I just find it oddly delightful when famous figures are bitchy.)

Michaelangelo rules.