Michelangelo’s Art

Michelangelo was an immensely talented artist, so much so he was one of the few paid apprentices of his time; when all other struggling young artists paid their teachers, Michelangelo’s painting tutor, Domenico Ghirlandaio paid him to learn.

As the best documented artist of the 16th century, Michelangelo’s work has been enjoyed for centuries and his extensive body of work may be what has inspired you to learn more about this unique artist. He not only significantly contributed to the Renaissance period, but also lead the way for many artists who tried to imitate his paintings, and as a result, sparked the next major movement to follow High Renaissance, Mannerism.

Paintings from one of the old masters such as Michelangelo will make a connection with almost anyone who views them, and it is important that when choosing wall art, you choose something which evokes a feeling, a memory or an emotion which you want to carry throughout your home. Michelangelo’s wall art are reproductions of his oil paintings, and scenes from the work he painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

In 1489, after witnessing Michelangelo’s extraordinary talent, his tutor Domenico recommended him to the ruler of Florence, where Michelangelo grew up after his mother’s death. Lorenzo de’ Medici sent Michelangelo to a school in his city, which was influenced by many prominent people who were able to teach and expand the young artist’s ideas.

Michelangelo’s two most famous sculptures, the Pieta and the David, were both completed before the artist was thirty years old. The David was completed in 1504 after Michelangelo was commissioned to complete the work begun 40 years earlier by Agostino di Duccio.

Then in 1508 Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The completed ceiling painting contains over 300 figures, including scenes from the Book of Genesis, and painted on the pendentives supporting the chapel ceiling are twelve men and women who prophesised the coming of Jesus.

Other paintings on the chapel ceiling include the Creation of Adam, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and the Great Flood, and Michelangelo’s famous ceiling paintings can all be reproduced as wall art for you to enjoy, centuries later.