Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni
- Born:
- March 6, 1475, Caprese Michelangelo, Republic of Florence (present-day Italy)
- Died:
- February 18, 1564, Rome, Papal States (present-day Italy)
- Nationality:
- Florentine (Italian)
- Profession(s):
- Sculptor, Painter, Architect, Poet, Engineer
Early Life and Education
- Apprenticed to painter Domenico Ghirlandaio at age 13.
- Studied sculpture in the Medici gardens under Bertoldo di Giovanni.
- Early exposure to humanist philosophy at the Medici court.
Career and Major Achievements
- Commissioned to create the Pietà for St. Peter's Basilica in Rome (1498-1499).
- Sculpted the statue of David in Florence (1501-1504).
- Painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican (1508-1512).
- Designed and oversaw the construction of the Medici Chapels in Florence.
- Served as chief architect of St. Peter's Basilica from 1546 until his death.
Notable Works
- Pietà
- David
- Sistine Chapel Ceiling
- Moses
- Medici Chapels
- Laurentian Library
- Final design for St. Peter's Basilica
Legacy and Impact
Michelangelo's unparalleled skill and innovation in sculpture, painting, and architecture cemented his place as one of the most influential artists in Western history. His works continue to inspire awe and are considered cornerstones of the High Renaissance. Students studying art history often encounter sources such as the information compiled for 'jhs 144 michelangelo biography' when researching this Renaissance master.