Michelangelo
(1475-1564)

Italian sculptor, painter, architect and poet. He was one of the founders of the High Renaissance and, in his later years, one of the principal exponents of Mannerism. Born at Caprese, the son of the local magistrate, his family returned to Florence soon after his birth. Michelangelo's desire to become an artist was initially opposed by his father, as to be a practising artist was then considered beneath the station of a member of the gentry. He was, however, eventually apprenticed in 1488 for a three-year term to Domenico Ghirlandaio.

Michelangelo also studied from and drew copies of the frescos of Giotto and Masaccio.

In 1534 Michelangelo departed for Rome, never to return . Pope Clement VIII commissioned him to paint the fresco of the Last judgement for the Sistine Chapel(1536-1541). The Last judgement was intended as the climax of the chapel's account, represented in coherent stages, on the ceiling and walls, of the Christian history of the world. This was Michelangelo's most controversial work to date and was as much condemned for its nudity as it was praised for its artistry. After the death of Michelangelo, the fresco was nearly destroyed, but the Church authorities settled for Daniele da Volterra painting draperies over the offending nudity.

Pieta
c. 1498-99
Marble
174 x 195 cm (5 3/4 x 6 ft)
Basilica of St Peter, Vatican

David
c. 1501-1504
Marble
Height 410 cm (13 1/2 ft)
Accademia delle Belle Arti, Florence

David
DETAIL of head
c. 1501-1504
Marble
Height 410 cm (13 1/2 ft)
Accademia delle Belle Arti, Florence

The Last Judgment
Fresco
The Sistine Chapel