Michelangelo
Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (6 March 1475 – 18 February 1564), known mononymously as Michelangelo, was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet of the High Renaissance. He exerted an unparalleled influence on the development of Western art. His works in painting, sculpture, and architecture rank among the most famous in the world, including the ceiling frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, the Pietà, and David.
Early Life
Michelangelo was born in the small Tuscan town of Caprese, near Arezzo, and later moved to Florence. His father, Lodovico di Leonardo Buonarroti Simoni, was briefly a magistrate in Caprese, and his mother, Francesca di Neri del Miniato di Siena, passed away when he was six. Michelangelo was sent to live with a stonecutter's family, where he began his lifelong association with marble.
Artistic Career
Sculpture
Michelangelo considered himself primarily a sculptor. Among his earliest contributions to art is the Pietà, completed in 1499, which depicts the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Jesus Christ. This work is noted for its emotional intensity and technical perfection. His sculpture of David, completed in 1504, stands as a testament to the ideal of human beauty and strength, carved from a single block of marble.
Painting
Despite his self-identification as a sculptor, Michelangelo's paintings also played a pivotal role in his career. The Sistine Chapel ceiling, completed between 1508 and 1512, is perhaps his most famous work. It includes iconic scenes such as the Creation of Adam, which showcases his mastery of the human form and narrative dynamism.
Architecture
In his later years, Michelangelo turned his artistic focus to architecture, becoming the chief architect of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. His contributions to the design of the Basilica include the iconic dome, which remains a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.
Influence and Legacy
Michelangelo's influence on Western art is profound. His ability to convey emotion and narrative in stone and paint set a standard unmatched by many of his contemporaries. His work continues to inspire artists and is studied for its innovative techniques and expressive power. He was a contemporary of artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, and together, they form the trinity of great masters of the Renaissance.