The Michelangelo Gallery

Michelangelo Buonarroti was an Italian artist famous for his sculptures, paintings, poems, and even his architecture. He was influential in the Mannerism movement and is one of the most famous artists of the High Renaissance. His talent was discovered at a young age when he was brought into Lorenzo de’Medici’s school of art and the Medici home. Here he was raised amongst the most talented artists of that time as well as revolutionary intellectual theorists. He grew to become one of the greatest artists of all time and still today his name is recognized throughout the world as a creator of masterpieces.

Michelangelo’s influence in various forms of western art is tremendous. Although Michelangelo created amazing paintings, one of the most famous being the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and one of the most controversial being The Last Judgment, he above all viewed himself as a sculptor. Creating the famous figure of David poised before the confrontation with the giant, Goliath. There was not an Italian sculptor of the 16th century or perhaps since, who was not influenced by the works of Michelangelo. Working in Florence and Rome he was a contemporary of other famous artists such as Raphael and Leonardo de Vinci.

In his later life Michelangelo became more involved with poetry and architecture, helping to design the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Because of his immense talent and the fantastic works that he created, he enjoyed much popularity during his life, working for the powerful Medici family as well as popes. He was so well known and respected that he was the subject of two biographies during his lifetime.

Here you can discover why he is an artist that is unmatched in his masterpieces. Read a short version of his biography or read a more full version of Michelangelo's life in three parts, The Early Years, The Middle Years, and The Later Years. Also learn about some of his significant works of art.