Universally acknowledged as a supreme artist in his own lifetime. The artistic genius of Michelangelo dominated the High Renaissance, and his long life caused his work to be influential in the Late Renaissance and beyond.

Born and lived in the country with a stonecutter’s family, he loved to use hammer and chisel and to draw.

Studied with Ghirlandaio, where he learned the art of fresco painting. He was treated as a son in the Medici household.

His earliest masterpiece, the Pieta, was done in Rome about 1500 and is a work of profound Christian feeling. The almost nude body of Christ is held on the lap of his mother Mary, who does not grieve sorrowfully over her son but accepts his death as the necessary fulfillment of humanity’s salvation. The work was carved from a single block of marble and signed later by the artist on the band across Mary’s chest.

A block of marble thirteen and a half feet in length but irregular in shape. Michelangelo carved his David from this marble, using its entire length. When he finished it after 2 1/2 years later, it’s placement was chosen by Michelangelo. Moving it from his workshop near the Cathedral took 40 men 4 days; 21 were needed to put it in place. 1873 it was moved to protect it from erosion.

The standing figure holding the body of Christ is Joseph of Arimathea, commonly called Nicodemus, but scholars acknowledge it is a self-portrait.

Michelangelo

Michelangelo Born on March 6, 1475 Birthplace was Caprese, Italy Named the Greatest of the Artistic Giants from the 15th century From a poor family; lived with a stonecutter’s family Moved to Florence at the age of six

Michelangelo Age of 13; apprentice to Domenico Ghirlandaio Medici family started a school of sculpture Lived with the Medici family until the death of Lorenzo de’Medici in 1492. Moved to Rome in 1496 First commission in Rome was to carve two figures for a banker Most important work at this time is the famous Pietà

Pietà In the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican 1499-1500 Brought fame and wealth to the Michelangelo; needed money because he was the sole supporter of his family

The statue of DAVID Returned to Florence in 1501 2 1/2 years for completion 1501-04 Placed in the front of the Palazzo Vecchio 40 men - 4 days Moved to the Accademia delle Belle Arti in Florence

Holy Family First commission earned as a painter Painted in a round format 1503 Did not like Leonard da Vinci Commissioned by the Pope Julius II

Sistine Chapel

Sistine Chapel Over 4 years of work Difficult task; both physically and artistically; used a FRESCO technique Inspired by the stories from the Old testament Human body used as the focus of the paintings

Michelangelo’s Dedication He only cared about his work. Often ate only whatever was lying around Often slept in his work clothes Wealthy but miserable Wore his clothing until it was old and falling apart Suspicious of others

Michelangelo 1953 - appointed Chief architect, sculptor, and painter at the Vatican Received criticism of the number of nude figures in the paintings Used human form to tell of the joys and terror which people experienced in the final judgment.

Deposition Stayed on at the Vatican until his death This sculpture, called the Deposition, is one of Michelangelo’s two last works, the other being the Rondanini Pieta. Died February 18,1564 Buried in the Church of Santa Croce in Florence.