Why was Michelangelo important to the Renaissance?
Michelangelo was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet who was one of the most important artists of the Renaissance. His best-known works include the sculptures David and Pietà, and the paintings Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgment.
Michelangelo’s work was characterized by its realism and its skillful use of perspective and chiaroscuro. He was one of the first artists to use life models for his drawings and paintings. He also had a major impact on subsequent artists with his innovative techniques such as modeling, carving, and casting.
Born in 1475 in Caprese, Tuscany, Michelangelo died in 1564 in Rome at age 89 after working for more than 50 years on projects such as The Last Judgment (1536–41), Moses (16th century), Bacchus (1520–21), David (1501–04), Pietà (1498–99), Sistine Chapel ceiling (1508–12), Julius II Tomb (1545–55). In addition to his artistic talent, Michelangelo was known for his physical strength: he could carry blocks of marble weighing more than 300 kilograms (660 pounds).
