Portrait of Michelangelo

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Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (March 6, 1475 – February 18, 1564) dominated Italian art during the High Renaissance period, shaping Western art forever with his masterful sculptures, paintings, and architectural feats. Recognized as the greatest living artist of his time, he is now considered one of the all-time greats. Despite venturing into only a few fields beyond the arts, Michelangelo's incredible versatility earned him a reputation as the ultimate Renaissance man, rivaling Leonardo da Vinci in this regard. Michelangelo's iconic works, including paintings, sculptures, and buildings, are some of the most celebrated in history. His prolific output is staggering; with an enormous amount of surviving letters, sketches, and reminiscences taken into account, he remains the most documented artist of the 16th century. Before reaching thirty, Michelangelo created two of his most renowned works: the stunning Pietà and David. Despite holding a low opinion of painting, Michelangelo also crafted two of Western art's most influential frescoes: the scenes from Genesis on the Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome, and The Last Judgment on its altar wall. As an architect, Michelangelo pioneered the Mannerist style at the Laurentian Library. At seventy-four years old, he succeeded Antonio da Sangallo the Younger as St. Peter's Basilica architect.