There probably isn’t anybody who hasn’t heard of Michelangelo before. That’s because he is one of the most well-known artists all over the world. The Great Michelangelo is known for being an architect, a painter, a sculptor and a poet from Italy during the Renaissance Period; as the creator of the sculpture “David” to the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Haven’t you ever dreamt about seeing these masterpieces in person with your very own two eyes? Well, you might just have the chance this time round by visiting the exhibition ”Hello, Michelangelo!”
One Man’s Consolation
Chapter 1: Drawing – “The Study of Man”
As one of the very few artists from a noble background, Michelangelo took his first step into the field of artistry by starting off as a young apprentice under Italian Renaissance painter Ghirlandaio at his workshop. From there he learnt how to draw sketches and despite their 3-year-contract, Michelangelo moved into the school for artists owned by the House of Medici. There he mastered his skills for drawing and picked up various techniques including the fresco technique which he would come to apply in his work at the Sistine Chapel. Not only did he build up his skills as an artist but also took the time to develop spiritually, attempting to understand the intrinsic value of the human being.
Chapter 2: Architecture –“Insight of Space”
His paintings were much more than were stated to be. They opened a window to a whole new dimension of architecture. We can catch of glimpse of this in his artwork on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in which his paintings portray a three-dimensional spatiality. His endeavor into the field of architecture started off through his encounter with Lorenzo de Medici who served as his patron in the arts. Although most of this works remain to this day unfinished, Michelangelo was commissioned to design several structures that include Brunelleschi’s Church of San Lorenzo in Florence to the tomb of Lorenzo Medici.
Chapter 3: Sistine Chapel – ”The Art of Perfection”
Michelangelo had no thought of painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. However, as a crack appeared on the ceiling of the aging Sistine Chapel, the need for a fresh new coat of paint was at hand. Michelangelo, who was primarily proclaimed himself as a sculptor and not a painter, rejected the Pope’s request for several years and many arguments ensued. At the time, he was occupied with a large sculptural commission for the tomb of the Pope himself. Despite his reluctance and lack of confidence, after encountering many ups and downs, he was able to complete his masterpiece in four years.
Chapter 4: Picture – ”The Calling”
Michelangelo believed that a painting failed to convey the same artistic value as a sculpture could. Ironically, he is most well-known for the iconic ‘The Last Judgement’ and paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. His pride in sculpting can be clearly seen through his paintings in which many of the figures are represented three-dimensionally much like a sculpture. He did not limit his artworks accordingly but rather took on a much more extensive outlook that could encompass the various qualities of art.
Chapter 5: Sculpture – d ”The Creation of Balance”
Michelangelo believed that a painting failed to convey the same artistic value as a sculpture could. Ironically, he is most well-known for the iconic ‘The Last Judgement’ and paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. His pride in sculpting can be clearly seen through his paintings in which many of the figures are represented three-dimensionally much like a sculpture. He did not limit his artworks accordingly but rather took on a much more extensive outlook that could encompass the various qualities of art.
Chapter 6: Composition – “The Estimation of Value”
He was more than just an artist. He was a maestro that conducted a whole orchestra, producing the melodies of angles. With even the smallest yet slightest maneuver of his hands, he was able to open up a window to the world of a Godly beauty. Portraying the figures depicted in the Bible in a way that no other artists could have even imagined of doing so at that time, Michelangelo introduced us to the depths of his knowledge and skills, of what would soon become what he was known for; his ingenuity.
Michelangelo Buonarroti
The Path to Greatness
Upon reaching the zenith of the Renaissance movement, many of the cities in Italy were able to flourish. Among those cities was Florence, home to Michelangelo, which was able to expand economically through commerce enabling it to develop into a berth for humanities to prosper once more. In this high advancing society was the Medici Family, one of the most influential holders of power in Florence at that time, who supported the expansion of the cultural industry. Patrons of artists who showed potential in the field of liberal arts, the Medici Family brought in 15-year-old Michelangelo upon witnessing his abilities. Lorenzo de Medici, the de facto ruler of Florence at that time, was especially impressed with Michelangelo’s work that he proposed for him to move into the palace to further his education, to become the very figure we now know him to be.
What Lives On
Pieta
Depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus after the Crucifixion, the sculpture expresses the very sorrow and pity, with pieta meaning pity in Italian, that it is named after. Despite various versions of the same theme having been made ever since the 14th century, no other sculpture nor work of art is said to surpass Michelangelo’s interpretation of the Pieta that lies in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. His sculpture of the Pieta exhibits the grief felt by Mary over the death of Jesus in such a delicate yet passionate manner that even his other works of the Pieta cannot outmatch this very sculpture. This work of the Pieta is also said to be the only piece of work that Michelangelo ever signed. Following the completion of the Pieta, shortly after its installation in the chapel, people were said to have remarked that it was the work of another sculptor. Thus, wanting to be acknowledged for his work, he carved “Michelangelo Buonarroti, Florentine, made this” across the sash on Mary’s chest. However, at that time, the act of defacing a sacred sculpture, especially that of the Virgin Mary, was out of the question. From then on, Michelangelo swore never to sign any other works of his hands.
Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
Once a canvas to the great many painters of the Renaissance period such as Sandro Botticelli, Raphael, Pietro Perugino and so many more, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is dappled with frescos done by these artists. It was painted by Michelangelo, at the commission of Pope Julius II, who took four years to complete his work of art. The frescoes on the ceiling depict various scenes, starting from the nine scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the well-known “The Creation of Adam” to various portrayals of figures from the Bible. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is one of Michelangelo’s most well-known pieces, to the extent it almost represents his life’s work. Yet, he, who prided himself as being a sculptor and not a painter, was very reluctant at first to take on the work requested by the Pope. At times he even refused to continue on with his work, with countless threats from the Pope himself.
A single being who was able to become the game changer in the art industry; some would say Michelangelo Buonarroti was fortunate enough to have been born in the Renaissance Period to display his talents to the fullest and leave with us a whole collection of masterpieces. The delicate yet elaborate details that can be in seen in his works are beyond such a level that it is hard to find art of such sophistication nowadays. He once said, “Lord, grant that I may always desire more than I accomplish.” Michelangelo knew the extent of his abilities and just how much he was capable of thus, aimed higher and higher. His constant desire for more was probably the driving force behind how he was able to become the Michelangelo we know him as today.
Period: 2017.01.26 ~ Open Run
Time: 10am ~ 8.30pm on Tuesdays to Sundays / Closed on Mondays
Location: Hello Museum, Gwanganru-ro 44-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul