Michelangelo Buonarroti by Sarah Stine

Michelangelo Bounarroti (1475-1564)

Why is this person important?

Michelangelo is one of the greatest sculptors, painters, and architects that ever lived. Some of his most well known works are his marble sculptures David and Pieta.  He is also famous for painting the spectacular ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and for designing the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Michelangelo’s focus on the human body was revolutionary in the world of art, and his detailed study of anatomy gave his works a realistic quality that had never been achieved before his time. Even today, about 500 years after he lived, many people still travel to Italy to see his works and marvel at his artistic genius.  

Why did you choose this person? How does her/his life relate to you?

I chose Michelangelo Buonarroti because I admire his work very much. When I was young, I saw a replica of David at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and I was immediately struck by how real it is. Every detail of the human body is perfect, and it is hard to imagine that Michelangelo created the sculpture solely out of marble. One reason that Michelangelo is inspirational to me is that he had a passion for art his entire life. As he grew, he constantly tried to find new ways to make his sculpture and painting more realistic. Although he was caught up in political turmoil, he stayed committed to his art and created works that were revolutionary. As a musician, I strive to have the same commitment to my music that Michelangelo had to his art.

If she/he had never existed, would the world be different from how we know it now? Why?

If Michelangelo had not existed, art as we know it would be entirely different. David and Pieta would not exist. The iconic Sistine Chapel ceiling would be bare, and the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica would be different, if it was there at all. Michelangelo’s studies of human anatomy gave his works a realism that was not present before. After seeing Michelangelo’s works, many other sculptors and painters began to use his techniques and knowledge to develop their own works. Without his research, artists may never have been able to accurately represent the human body.

If you could meet that person, what would you ask her/him?

If I could meet Michelangelo Buonarroti, I would ask him what he considers to be his crowning achievement, and why. He has so many iconic works throughout the world, and there are many different opinions about which is best. I think it would be very interesting to hear him analyze his own art and offer his opinions about it. He would be able to provide information and insight, and take us inside his mind as he was creating his masterpieces.

Do you think the fact this person was Italian played a role in his/her achievement?

The fact that Michelangelo was Italian definitely played a role in his achievement. He was influenced the politics of Italy, and the shifts in power during his lifetime affected his work. One of his crowning achievements, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, was brought about by Pope Julius II. Had he not been famous in Italy, he would not have been asked to paint the ceiling. On a cultural note, The beautiful backdrop of Italy was the perfect setting for Michelangelo's astonishing works. His works and their surroundings complimented each other perfectly.