Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni
- Born:
- March 6, 1475, Caprese Michelangelo, Republic of Florence (present-day Italy)
- Died:
- February 18, 1564, Rome, Papal States (present-day Italy)
- Nationality:
- Florentine (Italian)
- Profession(s):
- Sculptor, Painter, Architect, Poet, Engineer
Early Life and Education
- Apprenticed to Domenico Ghirlandaio at age 13.
- Studied sculpture in the Medici gardens under the patronage of Lorenzo de' Medici.
- Early anatomical studies involved dissecting corpses to understand human anatomy.
Career and Major Achievements
- Commissioned to create the Pietà for St. Peter's Basilica at a young age.
- Sculpted the iconic David statue, solidifying his reputation.
- Painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, a monumental work of art.
- Designed the dome of St. Peter's Basilica.
- Served as chief architect of St. Peter's Basilica, significantly altering Bramante's original plan.
Notable Works
- Sculptures:
- Pietà (1497–1499)
- David (1501–1504)
- Moses (c. 1513–1515)
- Paintings:
- Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (1508–1512)
- The Last Judgment (Sistine Chapel Altar Wall, 1534–1541)
- Architectural Works:
- Laurentian Library
- Dome of St. Peter's Basilica
Legacy and Impact
Michelangelo is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of all time, exerting an unparalleled influence on the development of Western art. His mastery of sculpture, painting, and architecture, combined with his profound understanding of human anatomy, established him as a towering figure of the High Renaissance. Reading a frederick hartt michelangelo biography can shed light on this influence.