The Art of Michelangelo

His hands work quickly and delicately to complete this work of art. Every chiseled muscle would be as smooth as silk, each hair a perfect curl. Sweat dripped from his face and his heart pounded rapidly in his chest as he stepped back to see what he had created. Two years- two long years to finish this piece. What will the result be? He worried that all his work would have been for nothing. Tears swelled in his eyes as he gazed at his work. It was spectacular. The marble seemed to faintly glow in the afternoon sun. Michelangelo's expressive and idealized works of art have been a major influence from his own time to ours.

It was March 6, 1475, during the Italian Renaissance. It was a time when beauty and art were of great importance in Europe. Paintings were cherished by kings and peasants alike. It was also a time of exploration of new worlds, and of political grief. Countries and Kings were constantly fighting with each other for whatever the reasons may be. France and Spain were fighting for possession of Italy. Columbus had set sail for whatever lied ahead. Leonardo da Vinci had just finished his work “Madonna with the Carnation” and started his “Madonna Benois”. King Henry VII of England and King Charles of France were ruling and Botticelli was painting his “Adoration of the Magi”. Amongst all this, in the small, quiet town of Caprese, Italy, an artist was born by the name Michelangelo Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni.

Michelangelo was born second of seven brothers to a small family outside of Florence, Italy. His father's name was Leonardo di Bunnarotto and his mother's name was Francesca Neri. His father worked as the Mayor of Caprese which he considered their own town a part of the city of Florence. His mother was frequently...

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... piece he struggled with for years-trying to create and imagine what it would become. The body of the Lord was too heavy, and Michelangelo had to cut away it's head and shoulder before carving a new head from the Virgin Mary's shoulder. It is clear that Michelangelo had created something he believed was too beautiful and unimaginable to create.

Michelangelo's tremendous achievements have been an inspiration to all artists since his time because of his work's beauty, perfection and the way the art can tell a story. His difficult childhood compelled him to push himself and create the greatest work he could. The results of his perseverance were the beautiful Sistine Chapel, the statue David, St. Peter's church, and countless other buildings, paintings and statues. His masterpieces will live on in the hearts, minds and souls of all who truly appreciate fine art.