Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564) is one of the biggest names of the Italian Renaissance, renowned for his extraordinary talent as a sculptor, painter, and architect.
His works, including the iconic sculptures “David” and the “Pietà,” as well as his masterful frescoes on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, remain some of the most celebrated achievements in Western art.
Michelangelo’s legacy is marked by his profound understanding of the human form, his innovative use of perspective and anatomy, and his ability to convey deep emotion and spirituality through his art. His life and works continue to inspire and influence artists and admirers around the world.
| 1475 (March 6) | Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni is born in Caprese, Italy. |
| 1481-1488 | Michelangelo’s mother dies when he is six years old. He is sent to live with a stonecutter’s family in Settignano, where he learns the basics of sculpting. |
| 1488 | At age 13, Michelangelo becomes an apprentice to the painter Domenico Ghirlandaio in Florence. |
| 1489-1492 | Studies sculpture at the Medici gardens under Bertoldo di Giovanni. He meets influential figures in the Medici circle, including Lorenzo de’ Medici (“Lorenzo the Magnificent”). |
| 1492 | Lorenzo de’ Medici dies; political upheaval in Florence. Michelangelo leaves the Medici court. |
| 1496 | Moves to Rome at age 21. |
| 1497-1499 | Completes the “Pietà” for St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This is a masterful marble sculpture showing the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Christ. |
| 1501-1504 | Returns to Florence and begins work on “David,” a monumental sculpture symbolizing the strength and independence of Florence. |
| 1505 | Summoned to Rome by Pope Julius II to design the Pope’s tomb. This project, which would take 40 years to complete, became a source of frustration for Michelangelo. |
| 1508-1512 | Paints the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. The fresco includes the iconic “Creation of Adam.” |
| 1513-1515 | Returns to work on the tomb of Pope Julius II, completing the famous sculpture of “Moses.” |
| 1520-1534 | Works on the Medici Chapel and the Laurentian Library in Florence, showcasing his architectural talent. |
| 1534 | Moves permanently to Rome. |
| 1536-1541 | Paints “The Last Judgment” on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel. The work reflects the growing tension and spirituality of the period. |
| 1546 | Appointed chief architect of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. He designs the magnificent dome, completed after his death. |
| 1547-1564 | Works on various architectural and sculptural projects, including the “Pietà Rondanini,” an unfinished sculpture revealing a more personal and expressive style. |
| 1564 (February 18) | Michelangelo dies in Rome at age 88. His body is taken to Florence and buried in the Basilica of Santa Croce. |
| Legacy | Michelangelo’s influence on Western art is immeasurable. |
Timeline of Michelangelo
1475 March 6 – Michelangelo is born in Caprese, Italy
Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni was born in the small town of Caprese, located in the Republic of Florence. His father, Ludovico di Leonardo Buonarroti Simoni, was a local magistrate, and his mother, Francesca Neri, died when Michelangelo was just six years old.
This early loss would lead him to be sent to live with a family of stonecutters in Settignano, where his affinity for sculpture began to take root.
1481-1488 – Early Life and Stonecutting Beginnings
During his early years with the stonecutter’s family, Michelangelo became familiar with the feel and form of stone, a skill that would later prove instrumental in his sculpting career.
Also Read: Michelangelo Accomplishments
His fascination with art was evident even as a child, despite his father’s initial opposition to him pursuing an artistic career. His early exposure to the tools of the trade provided him with a tactile understanding of stone, an advantage he would carry into his masterpieces.
1488 – Apprenticeship with Domenico Ghirlandaio
At the age of 13, Michelangelo became an apprentice to the prominent Florentine painter Domenico Ghirlandaio. Here, he learned the basics of fresco painting and drawing.
His talent quickly stood out, and within a year, he was sent by Ghirlandaio to study sculpture under Bertoldo di Giovanni at the Medici gardens. This opportunity introduced him to classical sculptures and the influential Medici family, propelling him further into the artistic circles of Florence.
1489-1492 – Studies at the Medici Gardens
During his time in the Medici gardens, Michelangelo met some of the most important intellectuals and artists of the era. He studied classical sculpture and anatomy, dissecting corpses to gain an unparalleled understanding of the human form.
Also Read: Michelangelo Facts
These experiences under the patronage of Lorenzo de’ Medici, also known as Lorenzo the Magnificent, not only enriched his artistic skills but also exposed him to the philosophy of Neoplatonism, which would influence his later works.
1492 – Departure from the Medici Court
Lorenzo de’ Medici’s death in 1492 led to political upheaval in Florence. Michelangelo, having lost his patron, left the Medici court. His departure marked a period of exploration and growth, during which he honed his skills independently. This time also laid the groundwork for his journey to Rome, where he would create some of his most famous works.
1496 – Move to Rome
At the age of 21, Michelangelo moved to Rome, seeking new opportunities and patrons. Rome, with its rich history and classical ruins, provided fresh inspiration. It was here that he began to develop his distinctive style, combining classical influences with his innovative approach to form and expression.
1497-1499 – Creation of the “Pietà”
Michelangelo’s first major Roman commission was the “Pietà,” completed between 1497 and 1499 for St. Peter’s Basilica. The sculpture, depicting the Virgin Mary holding the body of Christ, showcased his mastery of marble and his ability to convey emotion and delicate details. The “Pietà” became an instant masterpiece, solidifying his reputation as a leading sculptor of his time.
1501-1504 – “David” in Florence
Returning to Florence, Michelangelo undertook the monumental task of carving “David” from a massive block of marble that had been abandoned by other artists. Completed in 1504, “David” became a symbol of Florence’s strength and independence. The statue’s detailed anatomy and dynamic pose demonstrated Michelangelo’s deep understanding of the human body and his sculptural genius.
1505 – Summoned by Pope Julius II
In 1505, Pope Julius II invited Michelangelo to Rome to work on his tomb, a project that would span 40 years and bring Michelangelo both fame and frustration. The ambitious design, initially planned to include over 40 statues, was repeatedly interrupted, leading to a scaled-down version with the iconic “Moses” sculpture at its center.
1508-1512 – Sistine Chapel Ceiling
Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Julius II to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, a task he reluctantly accepted. Despite considering himself more a sculptor than a painter, Michelangelo created one of the greatest masterpieces of Western art. The ceiling features over 300 figures and includes the famous “Creation of Adam,” showcasing his skill in anatomy and composition.
1513-1515 – “Moses” and the Pope’s Tomb
After the death of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo resumed work on the Pope’s tomb. The “Moses” sculpture, part of this project, is renowned for its powerful expression and intricate details, including the lifelike rendering of muscles and the iconic horns on Moses’ head, derived from a mistranslation of the Hebrew Bible.
1520-1534 – Medici Chapel and Laurentian Library
During this period, Michelangelo returned to Florence to work on the Medici Chapel and the Laurentian Library. His work at the chapel included sculptural masterpieces like the tombs of Giuliano and Lorenzo de’ Medici. His architectural work on the library showcased his innovative design sense, blending classical elements with his bold style.
1534 – Permanent Move to Rome
Michelangelo moved to Rome permanently in 1534, shifting his focus more towards architecture and religious art. His later works reflected a deepening spirituality and a move towards a more expressive and less polished style.
1536-1541 – “The Last Judgment”
Commissioned by Pope Paul III, Michelangelo painted “The Last Judgment” on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel. The fresco, depicting the final judgment of souls, is marked by intense emotion and dynamic movement. It was controversial for its nudity and dramatic depiction of the damned, reflecting the tensions of the Counter-Reformation era.
1546 – Chief Architect of St. Peter’s Basilica
Michelangelo was appointed the chief architect of St. Peter’s Basilica in 1546. He redesigned the basilica’s dome, creating a structure that remains one of the most iconic architectural achievements in the world. Although the dome was completed after his death, his designs were closely followed, preserving his vision.
1547-1564 – Late Works and the “Pietà Rondanini”
In his later years, Michelangelo continued to sculpt and design, focusing on more personal and expressive works. The “Pietà Rondanini,” left unfinished at his death, reveals a softer, more intimate style, contrasting with the grandeur of his earlier pieces. His later works are characterized by a more profound exploration of spirituality and human suffering.
1564 February 18 – Death in Rome
Michelangelo died at the age of 88 in Rome. His body was returned to Florence, where he was honored with a grand funeral and buried in the Basilica of Santa Croce. His legacy as a master of sculpture, painting, and architecture endures, influencing generations of artists and shaping the Renaissance’s cultural landscape.
Legacy
Michelangelo’s influence on Western art is immeasurable. His ability to capture the human form with both technical precision and deep emotional resonance set a new standard in art. As a master of both sculpture and painting, his works such as the “David,” the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and “The Last Judgment” continue to be celebrated as pinnacle achievements of the Renaissance, reflecting not only his artistic genius but also his philosophical and spiritual depth.