Michelangelo biography

Michelangelo Buonarroti was an Italian artist, poet, and sculptor who is widely considered to be one of the greatest artists of all time. Born on March 6, 1475, in Caprese, Italy, Michelangelo showed an early aptitude for art, and by the age of 13, he had become an apprentice to the painter Domenico Ghirlandaio. Over the course of his long and storied career, Michelangelo produced some of the most iconic and influential works of art in human history.

Early Life and Education

Michelangelo was born into a family of modest means in the small village of Caprese, Tuscany. His father, Ludovico Buonarroti, was a government official and member of the Florentine Buonarroti family. Michelangelo's mother, Francesca di Neri del Miniato di Siena, died when he was only six years old.

After his mother's death, Michelangelo was sent to live with a stonecutter's family in Settignano, where he learned the art of sculpture. At the age of 13, he began an apprenticeship with the painter Domenico Ghirlandaio in Florence. During this time, Michelangelo was exposed to the art of the Renaissance, which was beginning to flourish in Italy.

Early Works

Michelangelo's first major work was a sculpture known as the "Battle of the Centaurs," which he completed when he was only 16 years old. The sculpture was commissioned by Lorenzo de' Medici, one of the most powerful men in Florence, and it marked the beginning of Michelangelo's long and fruitful relationship with the Medici family.

In 1496, Michelangelo was commissioned to create a sculpture of a standing figure of David, which would become one of his most famous works. The statue, which stands over 14 feet tall, was completed in 1504 and is now housed in the Accademia Gallery in Florence.

The Sistine Chapel Ceiling

In 1508, Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. The project would take four years to complete and would come to be regarded as one of the greatest achievements in the history of Western art.

Michelangelo's frescoes on the Sistine Chapel ceiling depict scenes from the Old Testament, including the creation of Adam, the fall of man, and the flood. The paintings are notable for their use of vivid colors, dramatic poses, and intricate details. The ceiling has been described as a masterpiece of Renaissance art and a symbol of the glory of the Catholic Church.

Later Works

After completing the Sistine Chapel ceiling, Michelangelo returned to Florence, where he continued to produce some of his most iconic works. In 1513, he began work on a sculpture of the biblical figure Moses, which was commissioned by Pope Julius II for his tomb.

Michelangelo's last major work was a sculpture known as the "Rondanini Pietà," which he was working on at the time of his death. The sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Jesus and is notable for its emotional intensity and realism.

Legacy

Michelangelo's legacy is immense. His contributions to the world of art, including his sculptural and painting works, have had a profound impact on Western art and culture. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest artists of all time, and his work has influenced countless artists throughout history.

Michelangelo's influence extends beyond the world of art. He was also a noted poet and architect, and his ideas on beauty, form, and expression have had a lasting impact on the fields of literature and architecture.