Michelangelo

1475 -1564

"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."

Michelangelo was born on March 6, 1475 in Caprese, Italy. Michelangelo was an important figure during the Renaissance. He became an apprentice to a well know Florentine painter, Domenico Ghirlandaio, at age 12. During his life Michelangelo accomplished many well known painting that are still very recognizable even today. Some of his artwork includes David, Sistine Chapel, and Pieta. Michelangelo was one of the most influential painters of his time. (from: http://www.lucidcafe.com/libra ry/96ma /michelangelo.html)









David,
c. 1501-1504
Marble
Height 410 cm (13 1/2 ft)
Accademia delle Belle Arti, Florence

David: David by Michelangelo is very different from most sculptures of that time. Michelangelo portrays David standing alone where in most previous sculptures of him David is standing next the severed head of Goliath. After the completion, of David, a committee of high-ranking citizen decided to display David in the town square in front of the Plazzo Vecchio. This was the first nude marble sculpture displayed in public, which was very pioneering for this to be done. (Found on first day)


I chose this sculpture because of its power. This was truly a turning point in art history. Nude art was being brought back into society after many hundred years of this form of art being thought of as wrong.

The Creation of Man

Michelangelo

c. 1511

fresco

480 cm x 230 cm

Sistine Chapel

Vatican City

The Creation of Man: This picture depicts the moment that Adam was being created. God, represent by the man on the right being flown in by angles, is reaching toward Adam, lower left, to give him life. The picture of the hand coming closer together is perhaps one of the most recognizable painting of the Sistine Chapel. This picture represents part of the first story ever to happen, the creation of man. (found: http://www.art.com/products)

I chose this picture because of its compelling image. It is a well known piece and a wonderful work of art. Michelangelo is perhaps my favorite artist of this time. His creativity is truly remarkable and is clearly shown in this picture.