Michelangelo
...Michelangelo was sent to the Medici gardens to study under Bertoldo, where he learned the basics of sculpture, and spoke to poets and philosophers. He lived in the Medici palace for two more years, during which time he produced his first two sculptures. Both done in marble, the Madonna of the Stairs was a very delicate piece, while the Battle of the Centaurs was bold and violent. Michelangelo’s early experiences afforded him the opportunity to develop Tuscan art and understand the views of classical explanations and the Christian faith. He integrates these contrary attitudes while separating his political views. Although some people may think Michelangelo was obsessed with nudity, throughout his career he created his masterpieces to glorify the human body. The Crucifixion, a wooden crucifix with the figure of a nude Christ, was considered scandalous by his associates. This piece is the only known work done in wood. Francesco Susinno, repeating an early urban legend quoted in the Faber Book of Art Anecdotes, once said, “It has been said (but I think this is just a story) that Michelangelo Buonarroti nailed some poor man to a board and pierced his heart with a spear, so as to paint a Crucifixion” (Buonnarti). This sums up the depth of his passion as an artist. Still in his twenties, Michelangelo carved the Pieta out of marble. Located in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, this was one of his most famous sculptures. It was the Vatican’s main attraction at the 1964 New York World’s Fair (Morgan). Contrary to the grace and style of the Pieta, the sculpture David was an athletic giant, carved just before his battle with Goliath. It was a symbol of proud independence. After this time, Michelangelo’s career was controlled by the papacy, and for many years, the Vatican became the center of his artistic drive. He was to sculpt a tomb for Pope Julius II, but after partially completed, Pope Julius II ordered him to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. These ceiling frescoes, paintings done on fresh plaster, were to depict the biblical history of humanity. It took him four years to complete this project because the technique of fresco is very difficult and he had to do much of the work lying flat on his back on a scaffold. Michelangelo was a very religious and humanistic man. As he reached middle age, his work became more complex and ominous, partly due to the breakup of the Roman church and the fall of th...