Welcome to the Michelangelo Gallery

Michelangelo Buonarroti was an Italian artist famous for his sculptures, paintings, poems, and even his architecture.  He was also largely responsible for the development of the Mannerism movement and was a participating founder 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 artistic masterpieces as well as revolutionary intellectual theories.  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 who was not influenced by the works of Michelangelo.

In his later life Michelangelo became more involved with poetry and architecture, helping to design the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.  Unlike many other artists of his time, he enjoyed much popularity during his life, working for the Medici family as well as popes.  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.