Michelangelo Buonarroti
By Conor Russell
About Michelangelo
• Was an artist and sculptor during the Renaissance era.
• He is an extremely well known artist and thought to be the best of his time.
Background
• Michelangelo was born on March 6, 1475 in Italy.
• He is of Italian descent.
• Started his career as an artist at thirteen.
• Worked on famous projects for Pope Julius II in Rome.
• He died February 18, 1564.
History
• Michelangelo was born into a deeply religious family, which influenced almost all of his artwork.
• At thirteen Michelangelo was apprenticed by Domenico Ghirlandaio, a famous fresco painter.
• Later traveled to study anatomy for his art.• In 1499, he created the Pieta, which made him
widely famous throughout Europe.• He was supported by powerful individuals,
allowing him to pursue greater works of art in the future.
Influence on the Art World
• Michelangelo made many popular works of art. Some of them helped shape the artistic style of the Christian religion.
• His religious artworks decorate many important Christian locations throughout Europe.
• The religious paintings and sculptures he created give many Christians a deeper understanding of their beliefs.
Stylistic Traits
• Religion- he incorporated many religious figures and events into his artwork.
• Abstract concepts- his works gave representations to different views and events in his time and history.
• Fresco- he used this technique of painting many times for his paintings, like many artists during the Renaissance era.
• Anatomy- all of Michelangelo’s artworks depicted the human form in a realistic view.
The Creation of Adam (1511)
• Religion- depicts God coming down from heaven to create the first man, Adam.
• Abstract concepts- shows Michelangelo’s thoughts of what God looks like and how he created Adam.
• Fresco- it was done on a plaster surface on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
• Anatomy- gives a realistic view of the human body and how it moves.
The Prophet Zachariah (1512)
• Religion- depicts Zachariah, a famous prophet in the Christian religion
• Abstract concepts- shows what is believed to be two angels behind Zachariah
• Fresco- it was done on a plaster
surface on the ceiling of the Sistine
Chapel.• Anatomy- gives a realistic display
of the human body
Doni Tondo (1507)
• Religion- shows the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph• Abstract- depicts what Michelangelo thought Joseph, Mary, and
Jesus may have looked like together• Anatomy- illustrates realistic positions and movements of the
individuals within it
The Conversion of Saul (1545)
• Religion- shows Saul, a fanatical persecutor of Christians, being blinded by a light from heaven
• Abstract- illustrates God and angels in heaven shining over Saul • Fresco- it was done on a plaster that is now located in Vatican City• Anatomy- shows lifelike
movement and emotion
among the people in the
painting
Original Art: The First Sin (2010)
Conclusion
• Religion, imagination, fresco, and anatomy were huge factors in Michelangelo’s artwork. Combined with Michelangelo’s talent and vision, these aspects transformed him from a normal artist to a hugely influential figure in the art world. Today, he continues to serve as inspiration to many aspiring artists and gives many Christians a renewed perspective of the beliefs of their religion.