Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (1475–1564), commonly known as Michelangelo, was a multifaceted Italian genius of the High Renaissance, equally renowned as a sculptor, painter, architect, and poet. Born in the Florentine Republic, he was a central figure in Western art, deeply influenced by classical antiquity. His works not only showcase remarkable creativity across various media but also mark him as a quintessential Renaissance man, paralleling the great Leonardo da Vinci.
Before turning thirty, Michelangelo had already sculpted two of his most famous works: the Pietà and David, establishing his reputation as a preeminent artist. Despite his self-identification primarily as a sculptor, he painted two of the most pivotal frescoes in Western art—the Genesis scenes on the Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgment on its altar wall in Rome. His architectural contributions, notably the Laurentian Library, were groundbreaking and inaugurated the Mannerist style. Later, at 71, he notably became the lead architect of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, significantly influencing its final design and the iconic dome.
Michelangelo's fame was such that he was the first Western artist to have his biography published during his lifetime, with three biographies appearing, including the influential account by Giorgio Vasari. Vasari lauded him as an artist whose talents surpassed all others in every artistic discipline.
His peers revered Michelangelo as Il Divino ("the divine one"), a testament to his ability to evoke awe and emotional intensity through his art. This unique quality, known as his terribilità, not only won him admiration but also influenced the emergence of Mannerism, a style that bridged the High Renaissance and the Baroque periods. Michelangelo's artistic legacy, captured through extensive documentation including correspondence and sketches, firmly establishes him as one of the most accomplished and influential artists of his era, profoundly shaping the course of Western art. |
MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI: THE RENAISSANCE GENIUS
Early Life and Training
Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, commonly known as Michelangelo, was born on March 6, 1475, in Caprese, Italy. His family, though not of noble birth, had a long history of involvement in the arts. From an early age, Michelangelo demonstrated exceptional talent for drawing and sculpture, which led to his apprenticeship with Domenico Ghirlandaio, a prominent artist of the time.
Artistic Career
Michelangelo's artistic career can be divided into three distinct phases:
- Early Period (1490-1505): Characterized by his famous sculptures, The Pietà and David, which established him as a preeminent artist before the age of thirty.
- Middle Period (1505-1520): Saw the creation of two pivotal frescoes in Western art: The Genesis scenes on the Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgment on its altar wall.
- Late Period (1520-1564): Marked by his appointment as the lead architect of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, significantly influencing its final design.
Legacy
Michelangelo's impact on Western art is immeasurable. His innovative techniques and mastery of multiple artistic disciplines have made him a quintessential Renaissance man. The Florentine Baroque Art Movement, which emerged later, was influenced by his style.
Notable Works
Further Reading
For more information on Michelangelo and the Renaissance, visit Wikipedia's page on Michelangelo. Explore his works and those of other artists from this period on WahooArt, which offers a comprehensive collection of art pieces from various movements and styles. |