Michelangelo

Michelangelo Daniele da Volterra (dettaglio)

Buonarotti-scala

Michelangelo's Pieta 5450 cropncleaned edit

'David' by Michelangelo Fir JBU005 denoised

Michelangelo Second design for wall tomb for Julius II

Italy-3214 (5387296511)

Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (6 March 1475 – 18 February 1564), commonly known as Michelangelo, was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet of the High Renaissance who exerted an unparalleled influence on the development of Western art. His oeuvre includes some of the most famous works in the art world, including the statues of David and the Pietà, as well as the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.

Early Life

Michelangelo was born in 1475 in Caprese, a small town in Tuscany. He was the second of five sons in his family. At the age of thirteen, he was apprenticed to the painter Domenico Ghirlandaio. He later studied sculpture in the garden of the Medici family, where he was exposed to the works of classical antiquity, which would influence his style profoundly.

Career

Michelangelo's career can be divided into several phases. His early works, such as the Pietà (1498–1499) and the statue of David (1501–1504), showcase his mastery of human anatomy and his ability to imbue marble with a sense of vitality. These works established him as a preeminent artist in Florence.

In 1508, Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, a project that would take four years to complete. The ceiling's central panels depict scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the famous Creation of Adam. His later work on the Last Judgment (1536–1541) on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel reflects a more somber and complex approach.

Michelangelo also made significant contributions to architecture, most notably as the architect of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. His architectural designs are noted for their sense of grandeur and their blend of Renaissance and Baroque elements.

Legacy

Michelangelo's impact on art is immeasurable. He is often regarded as the greatest artist of the Renaissance and has been described as one of the greatest artists of all time. His works have influenced countless artists, and his name has become synonymous with artistic genius. Michelangelo's ability to imbue his works with emotional depth and his mastery of various art forms have cemented his place in history.

See Also

• Renaissance art
• Leonardo da Vinci
• Raphael
• History of sculpture