Michelangelo Achievements

Michelangelo is recognised as one of the most influential artist from the Renaissance age. Known for his work as a painter, architect, sculptor, and poet. Michelangelo is viewed as an artistic genius, and arguably the best artist. His work captures the very essence of the Renaissance age. He paved the way for artists in future generations, by setting an example of artistic excellence. What set Michelangelo’s work apart was his ability to articulate emotion and detail which was unparalleled by prior artists.

Michelangelo was born in Caprese, Florence on the 6th of March, 1475. Michelangelo was born into a family of higher status. His family owned a bank that went back many generations. At age six, his mother passed away due to illness. Shortly

During this time period, Florence was rich in art culture, and the epitome of Renaissance. He quickly became immersed in his surroundings and desired to study art. His father objected because artists were hierarchical under a lower social class. Despite these objections Michelangelo was passionate and persistent. At age thirteen he became apprenticed to artist Domenico Ghirlandaio, the most well-known painter in Florence. His apprenticeship lasted three years. During this time, he mainly studied draftsmanship and frescos. Very unusually, Michelangelo received payment for his works from Ghirlandaio. This displayed his potential and artistic excellence from a young age. His abilities provoked jealously in other students, leading an fellow student to break his nose, leaving him noticeably disfigured. At age 14 Michelangelo was selected by Ghirlandaio as one of his top two students, to attend the Humanist Academy of Florence. This selection was the request of the leader of Florence, Lorenzo de Medici. At the age of fifteen he was invited to study under the work of sculptor Bertoldo di Giovanni, the most renowned sculptor at the time. Medici took a strong liking to Michelangelo, taking him in as family. Typically,

Michelangelo was no exception. In 1496 he moved to Rome to begin his career outside of Florence after the execution of Medici. He began doing commissions that later became some of his most well known works. One of which is Pieta. This sculture was the commission of Michelangelo began to sculpt Pieta at the age of twenty-one. He completed it two years later at the age of twenty three. This sculpture depicts Mary cradling Jesus’ body after crucifixion. Notably, Michelangelo’s name is inscribed into the piece, unlike his other works. This occurred when he was angered after overhearing someone give credit to artist Christoforo Solari. He carved “MICHAELA[N]GELUS BONAROTUS FLORENTIN[US]” This translates to “Michelangelo Buonarroti of Florentine, created this”. ( ) He later was filled with regret from this impulsive decision. He made a vow to never sign another piece of his