Michelangelo Timeline
Michelangelo by People
Michelangelo, born in Italy in 1475, was a renowned sculptor, painter, and architect who greatly influenced the development of Western art. His most famous works include the statue of David, the Sistine Chapel ceiling paintings, and the design of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Michelangelo was a key figure in the Italian Renaissance, a period of great cultural change and achievement. His innovative designs and attention to detail in human anatomy set new standards in art, making him a role model for future artists. He passed away in 1564, but his legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts worldwide.
March 6, 1475
Birth of Michelangelo in Caprese, Italy
This renowned artist was born in a small village in Tuscany, known as Caprese. His full name was Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni. He would grow up to be a significant figure in the High Renaissance, known for his mastery in sculpture, painting, architecture, and poetry.
April 1, 1488
Start of Michelangelo's apprenticeship with Domenico Ghirlandaio
At this time, the young artist was only 13 years old. Domenico Ghirlandaio was a renowned Florentine painter who was known for his detailed frescoes. This apprenticeship was a significant step in the artist's career, as it provided him with the opportunity to learn and refine his skills.
Year 1490
Michelangelo moves to the Medici palace to study under Bertoldo di Giovanni
At the Medici palace, he was exposed to the social elite of Florence, including scholars and poets. His time there greatly influenced his future works. Bertoldo di Giovanni, a renowned sculptor, was his mentor.
August 27, 1499
Completion of Michelangelo's 'Pieta', a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture
The 'Pieta' is a work of art that depicts the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. It was commissioned by a French cardinal for his funeral monument. This sculpture is unique as it is the only piece Michelangelo ever signed.
August 16, 1501
Michelangelo begins work on the statue of 'David'
This monumental sculpture, standing at over 17 feet tall, was carved from a single block of marble. The work was commissioned by the Opera del Duomo for the Cathedral of Florence. It took Michelangelo over two years to complete this masterpiece, which is now considered one of the greatest works of the Renaissance period.
September 8, 1504
Unveiling of 'David', one of Michelangelo's most famous works
The unveiling of 'David' took place in Florence, Italy, a city known for its rich artistic culture. The statue, standing at a towering 17 feet tall, was carved from a single block of marble. It is a representation of the biblical hero David, known for his victory over Goliath. The statue is admired for its detailed depiction of the human form and is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance art.
May 10, 1505
Michelangelo is commissioned by Pope Julius II to design his tomb
The commission involved creating a grand tomb with over 40 life-size statues. However, due to various interruptions, the project was not completed until 1545, 40 years later. The final product was much smaller than originally planned and only included three statues sculpted by Michelangelo himself.
May 10, 1508
Michelangelo begins painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling
The project was commissioned by Pope Julius II, who wanted to enhance the grandeur of the chapel. The ceiling's design includes nine scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the iconic 'Creation of Adam'. It took Michelangelo four years to complete this masterpiece.
November 1, 1512
Completion of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, a monumental work of High Renaissance art
This masterpiece, located in Vatican City, took approximately four years to complete. The ceiling is adorned with over 300 figures, with the most famous section being the "Creation of Adam". The work showcases the artist's innovative use of perspective and his deep understanding of the human form.
September 1, 1534
Michelangelo moves to Rome and begins work on 'The Last Judgment' in the Sistine Chapel
The artist was commissioned by Pope Clement VII to paint this fresco on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel. This monumental work, measuring 44 by 41 feet, took him several years to complete. It depicts the second coming of Christ and the apocalypse, with over 300 figures.
Year 1541
Michelangelo completes 'The Last Judgment', a masterpiece of fresco painting
'The Last Judgment' is a massive fresco that covers the entire altar wall of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. This artwork depicts the second coming of Christ and the final and eternal judgment by God of all humanity. The souls of humans rise and descend to their fates, as judged by Christ who is surrounded by prominent saints.
Year 1546
Michelangelo is appointed chief architect of St. Peter's Basilica
The great artist took over the project after the death of his predecessor, Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. He worked on the basilica for the last 18 years of his life, focusing on the design of the dome. Despite facing many challenges, he made significant contributions to the structure that we see today.
February 18, 1564
Death of Michelangelo in Rome, Italy
The renowned artist passed away in his home at the age of 88. His death marked the end of the High Renaissance period in art history. He was buried in Florence, the city where he was born and first learned to sculpt.
Michelangelo, born in Italy in 1475, was a renowned sculptor, painter, and architect who greatly influenced the development of Western art. His most famous works include the statue of David, the Sistine Chapel ceiling paintings, and the design of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Michelangelo was a key figure in the Italian Renaissance, a period of great cultural change and achievement. His innovative designs and attention to detail in human anatomy set new standards in art, making him a role model for future artists. He passed away in 1564, but his legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts worldwide.
This renowned artist was born in a small village in Tuscany, known as Caprese. His full name was Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni. He would grow up to be a significant figure in the High Renaissance, known for his mastery in sculpture, painting, architecture, and poetry.
At this time, the young artist was only 13 years old. Domenico Ghirlandaio was a renowned Florentine painter who was known for his detailed frescoes. This apprenticeship was a significant step in the artist's career, as it provided him with the opportunity to learn and refine his skills.
At the Medici palace, he was exposed to the social elite of Florence, including scholars and poets. His time there greatly influenced his future works. Bertoldo di Giovanni, a renowned sculptor, was his mentor.
The 'Pieta' is a work of art that depicts the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. It was commissioned by a French cardinal for his funeral monument. This sculpture is unique as it is the only piece Michelangelo ever signed.
This monumental sculpture, standing at over 17 feet tall, was carved from a single block of marble. The work was commissioned by the Opera del Duomo for the Cathedral of Florence. It took Michelangelo over two years to complete this masterpiece, which is now considered one of the greatest works of the Renaissance period.
The unveiling of 'David' took place in Florence, Italy, a city known for its rich artistic culture. The statue, standing at a towering 17 feet tall, was carved from a single block of marble. It is a representation of the biblical hero David, known for his victory over Goliath. The statue is admired for its detailed depiction of the human form and is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance art.
The commission involved creating a grand tomb with over 40 life-size statues. However, due to various interruptions, the project was not completed until 1545, 40 years later. The final product was much smaller than originally planned and only included three statues sculpted by Michelangelo himself.
The project was commissioned by Pope Julius II, who wanted to enhance the grandeur of the chapel. The ceiling's design includes nine scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the iconic 'Creation of Adam'. It took Michelangelo four years to complete this masterpiece.
This masterpiece, located in Vatican City, took approximately four years to complete. The ceiling is adorned with over 300 figures, with the most famous section being the "Creation of Adam". The work showcases the artist's innovative use of perspective and his deep understanding of the human form.
The artist was commissioned by Pope Clement VII to paint this fresco on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel. This monumental work, measuring 44 by 41 feet, took him several years to complete. It depicts the second coming of Christ and the apocalypse, with over 300 figures.
'The Last Judgment' is a massive fresco that covers the entire altar wall of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. This artwork depicts the second coming of Christ and the final and eternal judgment by God of all humanity. The souls of humans rise and descend to their fates, as judged by Christ who is surrounded by prominent saints.
The great artist took over the project after the death of his predecessor, Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. He worked on the basilica for the last 18 years of his life, focusing on the design of the dome. Despite facing many challenges, he made significant contributions to the structure that we see today.
The renowned artist passed away in his home at the age of 88. His death marked the end of the High Renaissance period in art history. He was buried in Florence, the city where he was born and first learned to sculpt.