A Guide To Italian Sculptor Michelangelo's Masterpieces

Waquar Habib

Michelangelo

Michelangelo Buonarroti, born on March 6, 1475, was a towering figure of the Italian Renaissance. He was renowned for masterpieces such as the David and the Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes. On the eve of his birthday, let's take a trip into his everlasting contributions to art and craft.

Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564), in a 19th century engraving by Jean Louis Potrelle after Michelangelo self portrait of ca. 1530 | Shutterstock

St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

St. Peter's Basilica is one of the holiest Catholic shrines and is renowned for its Renaissance architecture, including Michelangelo's famous dome. Michelangelo's dome is the tallest in the world, standing 448.1 feet high.

St. Peter's Basilica | Shutterstock

Florence Cathedral, Florence, Italy

The Duomo, also known as Florence Cathedral, features the iconic dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi with Michelangelo's consultation due to his engineering and architecture expertise. It is a Gothic-style basilica and one of the world's largest churches.

Florence Cathedral | Shutterstock

Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence, Italy

The Galleria dell'Accademia houses the renowned sculpture "David" by Michelangelo, which can be viewed up close. Originally meant to be placed on the roofline of Florence Cathedral, the sculpture was considered too beautiful for that location and was instead placed in front of Palazzo Vecchio.

Michelangelo's David | Shutterstock

Medici Chapels, Florence, Italy

The Medici Chapels were designed by Michelangelo as a mausoleum for the Medici family, showcasing his mastery of architecture and sculpture. They house the tombs of several family members, including those sculpted by Michelangelo.

Inside the Medici Chapel | Shutterstock

Sistine Chapel, Rome, Italy

The Sistine Chapel is famous for its ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo, which includes the famous depiction of the Creation of Adam. Despite considering himself a sculptor rather than a painter, Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling and eventually created one of history's most renowned works of art.

A glimpse of the frescoes on the roof of the Sistine Chapel | Shutterstock

Capitoline Museums, Rome, Italy

The Capitoline Museums exhibit many significant sculptures, such as Michelangelo's "Capitoline Hill's Brutus" and "The Dying Gaul." Michelangelo played a leading role in designing the Capitoline Museums, and his works are among the museum's most important pieces.

Inside the Capitoline Museum | Shutterstock

Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva, Rome, Italy

This basilica features Michelangelo's statue of Christ the Redeemer (also known as Christ Carrying the Cross), located above the altar. Michelangelo's statue of Christ the Redeemer is the only sculpture signed for here.

Michelangelo's Christ the Redeemer | Shutterstock

Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome, Italy

The Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli is a must-visit for admirers of Michelangelo's work, as it is home to his famous statue of Moses. Originally intended to be part of a larger monument for Pope Julius II, this masterpiece ended up being the centrepiece of the basilica.

Michelangelo's Moses | Shutterstock

Palazzo Farnese, Rome, Italy

The Farnese Gallery in the Palazzo Farnese houses Michelangelo's "Hercules and Cacus" sculpture, one of his most important works in sculpture, showcasing his mastery of human anatomy and movement.

Hercule and Cacus sculpture at Palazzo Farnese | Shutterstock

Palazzo Vecchio, Rome, Italy

The Palazzo Vecchio houses numerous significant artworks, including Michelangelo's "Genius of Victory" sculpture in the Salone dei Cinquecento. Originally intended to adorn the tomb of Pope Julius II, the sculpture was eventually repurposed to be displayed in the Palazzo Vecchio.

Fountain of Neptune in front of Palazzo Vecchio | Shutterstock

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