Michelangelo

Michelangelo (1475–1564) was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect and poet of the Renaissance. Born in Caprese and raised near Florence, he trained in the workshop of Domenico Ghirlandaio before studying classical sculpture under the protection of the Medici family. Although he excelled in several artistic fields, he considered himself above all a sculptor.

His works are known for their detailed study of human anatomy, expressive poses and ability to convey emotion through stone, paint and architecture. Among his best-known sculptures are the Pietà, carved for St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and David, created from a single block of marble. Pope Julius II later commissioned him to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, a project completed between 1508 and 1512 despite Michelangelo's limited experience with large frescoes.

The Sistine Chapel ceiling contains scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the famous Creation of Adam, while the monumental Last Judgment was added on the altar wall more than twenty years later. In his later years, Michelangelo also played an important role in architecture, contributing to the design of St. Peter's Basilica, especially its great dome, which influenced generations of architects.

He wrote hundreds of poems and letters that reveal his reflections on art, faith and the challenges of creative work. His achievements helped define the ideals of the High Renaissance and continued to inspire artists during the Mannerist and Baroque periods. Today, Michelangelo is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of Western art because of the lasting impact of his sculptures, paintings and architectural designs.