Michelangelo Biography and Artwork

Michelangelo is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant artists of the Italian Renaissance. Born on March 6, 1475, in Caprese, Italy, Michelangelo grew up in Florence during the height of the Renaissance. Sadly, his mother died when he was only six years old.

Despite this tragedy, Michelangelo went on to become a prolific artist who excelled in painting, sculpting, architecture, and poetry. His noble origins were emphasized in his biography written by his pupil and amanuensis Ascanio Condivi. Michelangelo was also the first Western artist whose biography was published while he was alive with three biographies published during his lifetime.

Michelangelo’s work demonstrated a blend of Renaissance Humanism and High Renaissance styles that transcended any living or dead artist’s work according to Giorgio Vasari. Even though Michelangelo produced masterpieces throughout his life including The David statue and The Last Judgment fresco to mention a few; One of the most famous illustration about him is that he once claimed: “The true work of art is but a shadow of divine perfection. Only God creates. The rest of us just copy.”

All Michelangelo Artwork on Artchive