The pursuit of excellence in any endeavor is its own reward,... - Isabella d'Este

"The pursuit of excellence in any endeavor is its own reward, regardless of external recognition."

Isabella d'Este

Patron Duchess Collector Italian 1474–1539

More from Isabella d'Este

"I am Isabella d'Este, and I bow to no one but God and the Pope."

"Art is the highest expression of the human spirit."

"A woman's intellect is as capable as a man's, if given the opportunity."

"I collect beauty as others collect gold."