Michelangelo is one of the most popular artists in the world today. In fact, many consider him one of the greatest artists of all time. He is a true artist in the sense that he excels in creating sculptures, paintings, architecture, and poetry. However, he is most famous for his sculptures and paintings.
Michelangelo Buonarroti was born in 1475, near Florence, in Tuscany. At the very young age of six, he lost his mother. He longed to be an artist’s apprentice, so he worked hard to convince his father to grant him permission. Finally, at age 12, he studied art under the tutelage of Domenico Ghirlandajo who was considered the most famous painter at the time. Michelangelo learned to paint under his guidance. Eventually, Ghirlandajo endorsed him to Bertoldo di Giovanni, a famous sculpture during that period. Through Bertoldo, Michelangelo developed his skills as a sculptor, which many believe to be his true passion.
Even if Michelangelo preferred to sculpt, a Michelangelo Buonarroti painting is just as iconic and magnificent. Who could forget one of the greatest masterpieces in history – the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? For four years, Michelangelo worked on his back, as he completed his painting for the Sistine Chapel. Another famous Michelangelo Buonarroti painting is The Last Judgment. It is also found on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel. Because of the popularity of these two paintings found in the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo was dubbed as "The Divine One" or Il Divino. Much like his sculptures, a Michelangelo Buonarroti painting shows an excellent rendition of the human anatomy. His most well-known and revered statues – David and the Pieta – show maturityin the way the human body is depicted. His paintings evoke the same feelings. The imagery of human anatomy – perfectly painted – is a masterpiece in itself. All the elements merge together to form paintings that will leave anyone in awe.
Because of this discipline and sheer mastery, both in his paintings and his sculptures, many art students turn to Michelangelo for inspiration. It is a wonder to learn about the art and life of Michelangelo. His contributions to the art world have been countless. His life speaks of a life lived fulfilling one's passion – of sculpting, and of creating art and masterpieces. Indeed, seeing a Michelangelo Buonarroti painting in the flesh will leave you in awe. It will give you goose bumps just to share the same space, the same room with art that can only be aptly described as coming from Heaven.
