10 Interesting Facts about Michelangelo the Sculptor

Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, commonly known as Michelangelo, was a Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect, and poet. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest artists of all time, and his sculptures are some of the most iconic and recognizable in the world. In this article, we'll explore 10 interesting facts about Michelangelo's work as a sculptor.

1. Michelangelo began his career as an apprentice to a sculptor

At the age of 13, Michelangelo began an apprenticeship with the artist Domenico Ghirlandaio, where he learned the basics of painting and sculpture. He worked in Ghirlandaio's workshop for several years, and during this time he gained experience in various aspects of art and craftsmanship. He learned the art of fresco painting and also gained knowledge in the methods of gilding, fresco-painting, and mosaic-work. He was also exposed to the works of other famous artists of that time, which gave him an appreciation for the art of Renaissance. This early training and apprenticeship laid the foundation for Michelangelo's future artistic career as a sculptor.

2.  He was fascinated by the human body

Michelangelo was highly skilled at anatomically correct depictions of the human body, and many of his sculptures are known for their realistic and detailed musculature. He was known to spend hours studying the human form, and would often sketch from live models.

3.  The David is one of his most famous sculptures

One of Michelangelo's most famous sculptures is the statue of David. This statue is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture and is considered one of the greatest works of art in the world. The statue depicts the Biblical hero David, who is shown in the moment before his battle with Goliath.

4.  He also created the sculptures for the Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo was commissioned to create several sculptures for the Sistine Chapel in Rome, including the famous sculptures of the "Pietà" and "David-Apollo". He was also responsible for the famous fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, which depicts scenes from the Book of Genesis.

5.  He carved the statue of David from a discarded block of marble

The statue of David was carved by Michelangelo from a block of marble that had been deemed flawed and discarded by an earlier sculptor. Michelangelo saw potential in the block and used it to create one of the greatest sculptures in the world.

6.  He sculpted with hammer and chisels

Michelangelo sculpted many of his works by hand, using hammer and chisels. Despite the difficult and physically demanding nature of this technique, Michelangelo was known to work tirelessly, often sculpting for up to 18 hours a day.

7.  He was not just a sculptor but also a painter, architect and poet

Michelangelo was not only skilled in sculpting but also had exceptional talents in other areas of art. He was an accomplished painter, an architect, and a poet. His work as a painter is exemplified in the Sistine Chapel, where he painted frescoes depicting scenes from the book of Genesis. He was also known for his architectural works like the design of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the Laurentian Library in Florence. He also had a strong interest in poetry and wrote many sonnets throughout his lifetime, many of which have been preserved. Michelangelo's skill and versatility in these different fields of art make him one of the most renowned and celebrated artists of all time.

8.  He wasn't fond of Patrons

Despite the fact that many of Michelangelo's sculptures were commissioned by wealthy patrons, he often had a difficult relationship with his clients. He was known for his fierce independence and for refusing to make changes to his works at the request of his patrons.

9.  The Dying slave is another one of his famous sculpture

Another famous sculpture by Michelangelo is the "Dying Slave". This sculpture depicts a muscular, dying slave, and is one of four sculptures that Michelangelo created to adorn the tomb of Pope Julius II.

10. He received many honors and recognition

Michelangelo received many honors during his lifetime, including being appointed as the chief architect of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. He was also highly respected by other artists of his time and was praised for his skill and talent in both sculpture and painting.

Michelangelo was a master of sculpture, and his works continue to be celebrated and admired hundreds of years after his death. His sculptures such as the David, Pietà and the Dying slave are some of the most iconic and recognizable works of art in the world, and his skill in anatomically correct depictions of the human body continue to amaze audiences today. He was also a multi-talented artist, with skills in painting, architecture and poetry, his life and works continue to be studied and revered by art lovers and historians all over the world. With his skills and contributions to the field of art, Michelangelo has left a lasting legacy in the world of art.