Michelangelo And The Sistine Chapel Ceiling Paintings

Michelangelo was born March 6, 1475 and died February 18, 1564, 3 weeks before his birthday and he was 88 years old. He was considered the greatest living artist during his lifetime. Some of the most famous works by Michelangelo are the Pieta’ and David sculptures and The Sistine Chapel ceiling Paintings. Michelangelo’s work was thought to show great vision and realism, Because of this, he was asked by many wealthy and powerful people to do various pieces of art. The Roman Catholic Church was one such group. Pope Sixtus IV asked Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel.As a painter, Michelangelo was asked to paint the Sistine Chapel. The Chapel is located in Vatican City, Italy and was the official residence of the Pope. Today the chapel

It is also believed Michelangelo included himself in this painting. Michelangelo the sculptor is best known for the Pieta’ and David statue sculptures. The Pieta’ is described as showing the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus. The word pieta’ means pity in Italian. It is believed that this is the only sculpture Michelangelo signed. The sculpture of David is made of Marble, and is believed to represent, the Biblical hero David. The statue stands 5 meters tall and shows an image of a nude male, who is known as the Biblical David. Besides being a great painter and sculptor, Michelangelo was also known as a great Architect. After the deaths of several original designers of the St. Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo was asked in 1547 to complete the project. Using principles familiar to painting and sculpting, Michelangelo reduced the scale of the design, creating more pleasing proportions and sun light. One of the most noticeable features of the Basilica is its massive dome shaped top. It stands 450 ft from the floor. Like the Architects before him, Michelangelo died before the St. Peter’s Basilica was completed. Many people know Michelangelo as a great painter and sculptor, however not many